James Rodriguez to Chelsea: Playmaker has nine days to ‘accept a substitute role’ at Real Madrid – as Blues line up a £60m bid

JAMES RODRIGUEZ has nine days to ‘accept a substitute role’ at Real Madrid – as Chelsea line up a £60million bid.

The Colombian ace was on the bench for the La Liga opener against Real Sociedad on Sunday, even though boss Zinedine Zidane was without starters Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.

Rodriguez, 25, came on in the 77th minute and set up Gareth Bale’s late strike in the 3-0 win at Anoeta.

But not before new-boy Marco Asensio had netted a first-half stunner – his second strike in two games this season.

And the youngster’s form means Rodriguez – who signed for £63m from Monaco in 2014 – looks set to remain on the fringes this term.

Midfield rivals Isco and Lucas Vazquez also made it onto the pitch before the World Cup Golden Boot winner.

Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked with moves for Rodriguez this summer but the playmaker has expressed his desire to fight for his place at the Bernabeu.

Madrid president Florentino Perez is keen for him to stay and the official word from the club has been that his is not for sale.

However, Zidane is thought to have privately told the star to look for a new club before the transfer window slams shut next week.

And, , Chelsea have already lodged a club record bid to take Rodriguez to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have started the Premier League season with two narrow wins and new boss Antonio Conte wants to add more creativity to his squad.

It is believed Rodriguez, who netted eight goals for Madrid last season, is top of the Italian’s wishlist.