Former Colombia international Faustino Asprilla has claimed that Real Madrid's James Rodriguez does not have to "suffer" by signing for a club like Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Rodriguez's future at the Bernabeu has once again been the subject of speculation ahead of the next transfer window, with the 28-year-old having made only seven La Liga appearances under Zinedine Zidane this season.

Wolves are one of the clubs to have been linked with his signature, along with the likes of Manchester United, and Asprilla has urged his compatriot to join "a bigger club" rather than one which "always fights against relegation" like Wolves.

"It must be very uncomfortable for James not to play, because when you're a footballer with the recognition of James, you will always want to play," Asprilla told RCN.

"James doesn't have to go suffer at Wolverhampton, a team that always fights against relegation. James has football to be at clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal. He can't despair because he has a lot of football to play for a bigger club."

Despite Asprilla's relegation claims, Wolves currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, while they are still in the Europa League having finished seventh in their maiden campaign back in the top flight last season.