Real Madrid's James Rodriguez turned down a £72m move to Inter Milan in the summer, "?according to Sports Illustrated.
The online publication claims that Rodriguez spurned the advances of the Serie A club, believing that a move to Italy would be a step down for him. The Italian outfit are alleged to have made the astronomical bid for the Colombia international towards the end of the summer transfer window.
Rodriguez was also the subject of apparent interest from Premier League duo Manchester United and Chelsea throughout the past three months. However, the 25-year-old opted to remain at the Bernabeu and fight for his first-team place with Madrid.
Inter Milan, currently managed by Frank de Boer, were the subject of a takeover by Chinese investors in June.
"?Suning Commerce Group took a 68.55% controlling stake in the San Siro-based outfit for a figure of around £220m.
The retail giant took on Inter's £180m debt, as well as a £79m loan from ex-owner Erick Thohir as part of the agreement.
And it is believed that Suning, who also own Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning in their home nation, were the instigators behind the big-money move to attempt to bring Rodriguez to Italy.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez has fallen out of favour under current Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman took charge of Madrid in January - a move that saw Rodriguez complete 90 minutes on just five occasions following Zidane's appointment.
And, despite making four appearances for the Champions League holders so far this term, all of the playmaker's minutes on the pitch have come as a substitute.
Rodriguez has made 82 appearances for Madrid since joining from Monaco in a £63m deal in the summer of 2014.
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