Rodrygo 'angry' at Real Madrid as relationship with team-mates breaks down due to Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe 'explosion'

That is according to Marca, who report on tension behind the scenes at Santiago Bernabeu. Brazil international forward Rodrygo finds himself at the centre of those problems and is currently refusing to play.

The 24-year-old forward did not figure at all in Real’s thrilling 4-3 Clasico defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona. He is said to have confined himself to his house and is now pushing for a summer transfer away from the Spanish capital.

It is claimed that the media “explosion” that deals for England international Bellingham and World Cup winner Mbappe caused have led to a breakdown in the working relationship between Rodrygo and his club colleagues.

Fellow countryman Vinicius Junior is also said to have been angered by the attention that others are now receiving, having previously been the face of Real. Said issues will not be resolved easily or quickly as Carlo Ancelotti is preparing to step down as Blancos boss and take charge of the Brazil national team.

Former Blancos star Xabi Alonso, who is leaving Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to take the reins in Madrid. It may be that he is unable to call upon Rodrygo, who has taken in over 250 appearances - winning La Liga and Champions League titles - since moving to Spain from Santos in 2019.

Premier League heavyweights have been credited with interest in Rodrygo, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all said to have monitored his situation at various intervals. The talented South American still has three years left to run on a contract through to 2028.