Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge insists that Everton star James Rodriguez has downed tools at the club, amid a claim by Pipe Sierra that the club will make one last attempt to offer him plus €30m for Porto star Luis Diaz.

The Colombia international joined the club last summer under the management of Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian, of course, has departed for Real Madrid, bringing a shock end to his reign at Goodison Park.

Since the appointment of Rafael Benitez as manager, Rodriguez has not played a single minute of competitive football.

He was left out of Ancelotti’s squad for the last two games of last season and has yet to return.

He even admitted during a Twitch stream that he was not aware who Everton’s next opponents were, and Bridge believes that he has tarnished his reputation with his actions at Goodison Park.

In total, Rodriguez has made 26 appearances for the club and has scored six goals, while also providing nine assists, and Bridge believes there is an obvious reason for the playmaker not joining a Champions League club before his switch to Merseyside.

He said: “A pretty awful last few weeks. His reputation, you kind of understand, in a funny way now, with the greatest respect, why he went to Everton and he didn’t go to a Champions League club because there’s obviously something there, not just because of his love and respect for Carlo Ancelotti, but it sounds like he’s completely downed tools.

“When you reveal that you don’t know who your team is playing next, it’s just completely unacceptable.

“You don’t get away with it with any fans, but Everton fans are good supporters and they’re not going to appreciate that.”