James Rodriguez makes another admission about Everton future and if he’ll play against Southampton

James Rodriguez has again cast doubt over his Everton future - and admitted he’s unlikely to play in Saturday’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Southampton.

The Colombia international moved to the Toffees a year ago on a free transfer from Real Madrid. In his maiden season at Goodison Park, the creative midfielder recorded six goals and nine assists in 26 appearances.

However, Rodriguez has reportedly been told that he is surplus to requirements by new manager Rafa Benitez and is free to find himself a new club.

The Everton chief has concerns about whether the fromer Bayern Munich man can play with the sort of intensity he requires.

Rodriguez is believed to earn around £200,000 a week and, if taken off the wage bill, Benitez could use those finances to bolster his squad.

Everton open the 2021-22 season with the visit of Southampton on Saturday (15.00).

However, speaking via a live Twitch stream, Rodriguez has claimed that he doesn’t think he will be involved against the St Mary’s outfit.

Spanish media outlet AS quote Rodriguez saying: “There is a game on Saturday but I don’t know. I don’t think I’ll play.

“Everything can happen until the end of the month. Soccer always changes fast.”

Rodriguez has previously confessed that he wants to be playing his football somewhere he feels “wanted”.

AC Milan are the supposed front-runners to land his signature if he does depart Merseyside before the transfer window closes at 23.00 on Tuesday, August 31.