Former Everton star Vinny Samways hopes the club can come to the right decision over James Rodriguez.

The Colombian's arrival at Goodison Park last season was met with much fanfare given his experience at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

After a promising start to life at Goodison, James trailed off towards the end of the 2020/21 season, managing six goals from 23 league appearances.

Rafa Benitez replaced Carlo Ancelotti as manager in the summer, leading to reports that James could be moved on.

The 30-year-old sparked controversy recently after allegedly stating on his Twitch account was unaware of who Everton were facing on the opening Premier League weekend, although James blamed the Colombian press for misrepresenting his quotes.

Samways, who has experience playing in both England and Spain, rates the former Porto man and hopes the situation can be resolved.

"I'm a fan of James," the former Las Palmas and Everton man told Tribalfootball.com. "I think he is a very good player.

"I know that it is not easy to adapt to English football.

"However, I believe that between the sporting director & Rafa Benitez and the player himself, they will come to the right decision as to what is best for James as a player this season."

It is still possible James will be moved on this summer, despite the transfer window closing in England, Spain and Italy.

The window is still open in Portugal, Turkey and Russia, although clubs are finding it hard to match James' mammoth wages.