Zinedine Zidane has insisted both Gareth Bale (pictured) and James Rodriguez are ‘important members’ of Real Madrid’s squad.
Both players have been heavily linked with a move away from Los Blancos this summer with the Frenchman apparently keen for each to be sold.
Bale celebrated his 30th birthday last month and is said not to be part of Zinedine Zidane’s plans at the Bernabeu, while the Madrid fans have turned on him, while James has returned from a two-year loan stay at Bayern Munich.
“James and Bale are both Real Madrid players and both important members of our squad,” Zidane told reporters when asked about the futures of both players.
“We count on all the players that are here – anything can happen until 31 August but now they are players of Real Madrid.
“And my job as a Coach is to count on all the players that are training with us.”
Despite these comments, the Spanish press believe James could join Atletico Madrid this month although a future destination for Bale appears to be less clear.
