Bayern Munich chief dismissed James Rodriguez speculation

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has dismissed the ongoing speculation of James Rodriguez heading back to Real Madrid this summer. The Colombia international is presently entering the second year of his two-year loan move from Los Blancos and Rummenigge has ruled out the prospect of the attacker being recalled.

Speaking to reporters, Rummenigge indicated that source from Spain have got the wrong information and he expects Rodriguez to stay put with the club for the upcoming campaign, he said: “Many things coming from Spain are not true. He will play for sure this season - and I expect that he will play for Bayern.”

Rodriguez had a slow start to his career with Bayern but he managed to pick up pace during the second half of the campaign to contribute eight goals and 13 assists across all competitions.. The 27-year-old thereafter participated for Colombia at the summer World Cup but he could not help them avoid defeat in the round of 16 stage versus England after suffering a calf problem.

Bayern have so far had a quiet transfer window with just one Bosman signing in the form of Leon Goretzka but the next few weeks may witness some activity as they seek to better their chances of European success. The Bavarian giants have made progress towards the quarter-final stage of the Champions League with regularly over the past few years but they have not quite managed to cross the final hurdle with holders Real Madrid denting their prospects in the past two seasons.

No clear candidates have been identified to bolster the Bayern squad this summer but there are suggestions that they could consider a move for a new marksman with Robert Lewandowski often left frustrated on his own. Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi has previously been linked with the German champions, though the £87m valuation has proved a genuine stumbling block.