The transfer options still open to James Rodriguez if he decides to exit Everton

Everton failed to offload James Rodriguez before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Despite the Colombian being surplus to requirements at Goodison Park - having been told he wasn’t part of Rafa Benitez’s plans after he took over as manager in June - the playmaker remains on Merseyside.

Benitez has concerns about whether Rodriguez could meet his intense playing demands, as well as whether the Toffees are getting full value for money. He earns around £200,000 per week.

Despite scoring six goals and five assists in the Premier League last season, the ex-Real Madrid creative midfielder was absent for 15 games.

Everton had hoped to use Rodriguez as a makeweight in a deal for Porto’s Luis Diaz in the closing stages of the transfer window.

However, according to The Athletic, the 30-year-old wouldn’t budge on his wage demands.

It’s now intriguing where Rodriguez will feature in Benitez’s thoughts, with the Blues next in action against Burnley on Monday 13 September.

However, if the former Monaco star decides he wants a Goodison departure, there are several leagues across the globe he could still go to.

Portugal

Everton did look to use Rodriguez in the Diaz deal, although it failed to come to fruition.

Still, Portugal remains a league that he can join, with their transfer window open until Wednesday 22 September.

That could mean a potential return to Porto for Rodriguez. He scored 32 times in 107 appearances for Dragões between 2010-2013.

Benfica and Sporting Lisbon are the other powerhouses in the Primeira Liga. All three outfits are in this season's Champions League.

Turkey

The Super Lig has proven a popular destination for players for a good number of years now.

The likes of Roberto Carlos, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o and Guti all plied their trade there.

Turkish sides have until Wednesday, 8 September, to tie up any remaining deals.

The big three clubs are current champions Besiktas, Galatasary and Fenerbahce - who have recently been linked with Liverpool's Divock Origi.

The former are in the Champions League, with the other two in the Europa League.

Russia

There have been swathes of South Americans who've braved the icy-cold temperatures, with Brazil forward Hulk the most iconic.

Russian sides have until Tuesday, 7 September, to complete their business.

Champions Zenit Saint Petersburg would offer Rodriguez a chance to play Champions League football while Lokomotiv Moscow and Spartak Moscow are in the Europa League.

Argentina

It was at Primera Division outfit Banfield where Rodriguez caught the eye to get his move to Porto in 2010.

Should a move back to Argentina tempt come available, Rodriguez would have until Sunday 26 September to do so.

Bitter rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate are the dominant forces.

Australia

It's highly doubtful that any club Down Under would have the sort of funds to pay Rodriguez's wages, even if he took a pay cut.

Still, the new A-League season starts on 29 October and clubs have to assemble their squads by Monday, 18 October.

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