James Rodriguez will only be sold to Napoli as opposed to a loan deal with Real Madrid looking to offset their heavy spending by selling off big assets, according to Goal.

Los Blancos have already splurged more than €300 million after securing the captures of attackers Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Rodrygo plus defenders Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao.

Their shopping spree is not over yet either with Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba reportedly next on their agenda while rumours continue to swirl about a move for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar.

But first, funds must be raised through player exits with Rodriguez among a clan of star players Real are desperate to remove from their wage bill while also injecting fresh funds into their kitty.

Indeed, the Colombian joins Gareth Bale, Keylor Navas, Isco plus Mateo Kovacic and according to the report Madrid want him sold to Napoli before he enters the final 12 months of his contract upon the conclusion of next season when his value could decline further.

The Serie A giants had initially looked to seal a season-long loan for €5m with an obligation to buy for €35m.

Carlo Ancelotti has shown the biggest interest in the 27-year-old after Bayern Munich passed on taking up their option to sign him permanently for €42m after concluding two years on loan in the Bundesliga.

Ancelotti was the man to bring Rodriguez to the Allianz Arena before he was sacked in September 2017 having also coached him during his time at the Bernabeu.