Manchester United reportedly have “no chance” of sealing a deal for Real Madrid star James Rodriguez during the January transfer window, while Sevilla have shot down rumours the Red Devils are trying to move for midfielder Ever Banega.  

According to Sky Sports' Guillem Balague, “There is no chance of James going in January, and Sevilla are saying they know nothing about Manchester United when it comes to Ever Banega.”

John Richardson of the Daily Express previously claimed the Red Devils had opened talks with Real regarding a deal for Rodriguez, the 2014 FIFA World Cup revelation whose 2015-16 campaign has been overshadowed by a number of controversies.

As reported by Pablo Polo of Marca, there have been major question marks regarding his weight and frequent ventures into Madrid's night life, and he was also involved in a high-speed car chase with the Spanish police.

On the pitch, he has been limited to just eight La Liga starts due to injuries, and while his numbers look solid, he has recorded all of his goals and assists across just four matches, per WhoScored.com.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder remains one of the most tantalising talents in all of football, capable of scoring outrageous goals. Here's a look at some of his highlights:

The Colombia international frequently battles Isco for a spot in Real's starting XI, and with new manager Zinedine Zidane at the helm, it's unclear which player will be preferred by the Frenchman.

Rodriguez seemed to have the upper hand under former boss Rafa Benitez, but Zidane has already indicated he's no fan of his attitude, as evidenced by the two clashing openly on the sideline during the match against Sporting Gijon, per La Sexta (via AS).

United would love to add a player of Rodriguez's caliber and are in dire need of scoring help. There's no denying the Colombia international would be a phenomenal signing for the Red Devils, but a transfer remains highly unlikely.

Rodriguez enjoyed an excellent debut season with Los Blancos in 2014-15, and while he's currently struggling, the La Liga giants won't toss him to the side based on one poor stretch of performances. The injury that sidelined him at the start of the season certainly played its part, and Rodriguez will have the opportunity to impress Zidane in the coming months.

Bleacher Report's Dean Jones highly doubts Rodriguez will leave the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu anytime soon:

Banega's situation is a little different. The tricky midfielder will be a free agent at the end of the season and can sign a pre-contract with any interested club in January, but per the Sun (h/t the Daily Express' Bruce Archer), United are hoping to bring the player to Old Trafford before then.

Given Banega's status as an impending free agent, Sevilla could likely be convinced to sell at a cut-rate price, so he could be a tremendous value signing.

The 27-year-old is expected to leave Sevilla for a bigger club despite only joining the Europa League winners in 2014. Here's a look at some of his highlights from last season:

Banega is a solid playmaker with quick feet and excellent vision, and while he's unlikely to ever become a world-class option in midfield, there are plenty of teams that could use a player of his ilk.

He might be worth picking up as a free agent for United, although one has to wonder whether he's good enough to play a significant role for the Red Devils. At his age, he'll leave Sevilla looking for his big break, and he may not be interested in becoming a bench player at Old Trafford.

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