'We have time to decide' - Bayern director still doubt James Rodriguez

Doubts still hang over James Rodriguez's future and Bayern Munich will be using the rest of the season as something of a test for the Colombian as they decide whether or not to sign him permanently from Real Madrid.

The Bavarian giants can buy the player for 42 million euros this summer, otherwise he will return to Madrid.

"We will see what happens in the second half of the season," Bayern's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said to Sport Bild.

"Then we will make the appropriate decision."

Should Bayern make his move permanent, it will not be in order to move him on elsewhere for a profit.

"That's not Bayern's style," Salihamidzic added.

What is clear already though it that things have changed in Munich, as the Bundesliga champions were previously certain that they would be exercising the purchase option, but now they aren't as sure.

"In our agreement we have an option until June 15, 2019," Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in November.

"I don't think it makes sense to discuss it now. We have time to decide."

Meanwhile, Madrid are awaiting the decision before thinking about what they might do with the player.

Julen Lopetegui wanted him back at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, but with the future coaching situation a mystery, it is unclear what would happen if he were to return.