Reported Newcastle United target James Rodriguez has strained relationship with Rafa Benitez

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James Rodriguez is reportedly a transfer target for Newcastle United this summer. As reported by Caracol and Goal, the Real Madrid outcast is being lined up for a potential £28 million move to Tyneside. 

But his relationship with former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez should certainly interest Newcastle fans, especially with talk that the Spaniard could return to the Newcastle dug-out this summer. 

The pair appeared to have a disjointed relationship during Benitez’s time at Real Madrid. 

James had been a star under Carlo Ancelotti the previous season but he struggled to initially break into Benitez’s first-team in 2015-16. It was suggested by Benitez that James might not yet be up to his full fitness after returning to training later than most in pre-season.

As reported by SPORT later that season, James made it clear those accusations had riled him. 

“I’m always intent on being well and taking care of myself. This p****s me off, those that doubt me, they say that I don’t take care of myself, or that I’m fat. I’ve given a lot to football and I keep giving everything every day.”

He went on to make it clear he was happy Zinedine Zidane had replaced Benitez, who he clearly clashed with. 

“The change has been good, now we listen more to the new coach.

“This happens, it’s part of all this, of what football is. Some come and others go and you get along better with some than others.”

As for Benitez himself, he was quoted by The Guardian in December 2015, suggesting there was no issue between the pair. 

“There is no problem, he is a great player. The more he trains and plays the closer he will be to the James that we all know and love. The issue is clear. What I want is to see the best James in each match, scoring lots of goals.”

But the old expression suggests there is no smoke without fire and should Newcastle end up re-appointing Benitez in the months to come, it would be a surprise if Rodriguez then follows him to St James’ Park.