Chelsea transfer news: Cristiano Ronaldo won’t let James Rodriguez leave Real Madrid for Stamford Bridge

CHELSEA could miss out on James Rodriguez because Cristiano Ronaldo wants him to stay at Real Madrid.

Reports claim the Colombian playmaker is a summer target for Antonio Conte, who is keen to make a number of big-name signings ahead of Chelsea’s expected return to the Champions League.

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Rodriguez was strongly linked with a Stamford Bridge switch in January but Real were reluctant to sell due to their global transfer ban.

Zinedine Zidane is happy to part ways at the end of the season, but Spanish newspaper claims star man Ronaldo will kick up a fuss to keep Rodriguez at the Bernabeu.

The pair are good friends and Ronaldo is keen to keep Rodriguez close by.

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The report adds that a number of other stars will leave the capital though, with Pepe ready to accept a big-money contract in China.

Youngster Jesus Vallejo will take his place in the senior squad, with fellow academy man Marcos Llorente set to provide cover for defensive midfielder Casemiro.

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Right-back Danilo and left-back Fabio Coentrao could be let go, with Wolfsburg’s Ricardo Rodriguez lined up to replace the latter.

Isco wants out while doubts remain over the futures of striker Karim Benzema and Alvaro Morata, who could be replaced by Juventus ace Paulo Dybala and Atletico Madrid hitman Antoine Griezmann.