Everton latest gossip: £90k p/w star stuck in "no-win" situation at Goodison Park | OneFootball

James Rodriguez is in a "no-win situation" after being frozen out of the first-team picture by Everton boss Rafa Benitez, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Why has James been cast aside by Benitez?

Benitez was appointed as Carlo Ancelotti's successor in June and has told the 30-year-old winger he does not feature in his plans at Everton.

The pair previously worked together at Real Madrid and it was during this time that, after allegations of a feud, Benitez denied he and James did not see eye-to-eye.

Rumours circulated after James' opportunities dried up under Benitez, with him being afforded just 17 La Liga starts in the Spaniard's first campaign at the helm.

The lack of appearances came despite James scoring 17 goals in his first season with the Spanish giants, following a move from Monaco after clinching the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot.

Speculation of tension between the pair intensified when, in 2015, James hit back at his club manager as he played 90 minutes and netted for Colombia four days after Benitez claimed the winger was out of form.

What has Paul Brown said about James?

James is among Everton's top earners, on £90,000-per-week, and Brown believes the winger is eager to make an impact at Goodison Park this season despite Benitez's appointment.

However, the journalist fears Toffees fans could start to turn on James as his lack of game-time does not warrant such significant wages.

Brown reckons Everton supporters are keen to see the Colombia international depart Merseyside.

It comes despite James joining Everton from Real Madrid just 12 months ago.

Brown told GMS: "I think he's in a bit of a no-win situation because the more the fans don't see him, the more they think he's not trying, he doesn't want to be here and let's just get rid of him."

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Does James have a future at Everton?

James scored six goals and registered nine assists in 26 appearances during his debut campaign at Goodison Park, although calf problems hampered his progress.

But James, whose contract expires next summer but has the option of being extended by a further year, has yet to feature or even clinch a place in an Everton matchday squad this season.

He did not help his case when it comes to breaking into Benitez's plans by infuriating Toffees fans last month.

admitted to not knowing who Everton's next opponents were during a broadcast on his Twitch account.