Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has said that if he were a family member he would advise young attacker Jese Rodriguez to look for playing time wherever he can get it.
Jese was tipped for the very top as he broke goal-scoring records previously held by Blancos legend Raul Gonzalez during a rise through Madrid's youth ranks, but his career has stalled through recent seasons.
The 23-year-old was a regular substitute under Zidane during the second half of last season, and although he featured in 38 games across all competitions he did not complete 90 minutes even once and was overshadowed by fellow home-grown winger Lucas Vazquez.
Speaking at a news conference from Madrid's preseason training camp in Montreal, where he also spoke about potential target Paul Pogba and the future of another young Blancos striker Alvaro Morata, the French coach was asked if he would recommend Jese now left the Bernabeu.
"It is a difficult situation," Zidane said. "Having a big squad means problems for the teams. But that is what comes with being Madrid coach. I have no problem with the idea of putting in the kids coming through. Many go and then return -- like Morata, Lucas and [Dani] Carvajal.
"I am delighted with the squad I have and we will need them with many games to come. Jese is part of that squad and it's true that last year he did not play much. If I were his friend, or family member, I would tell him to look for more playing time. But I am his coach and maybe he can get that here. We will see. I am happy with him, I know him well, I know his quality."
Zidane's mentions of Morata, Lucas and Carvajal were references to all three having gone away from the Bernabeu for at least a season -- to Juventus, Espanyol and Bayer Leverkusen respectively -- gaining experience before returning better equipped to fight for a regular starting spot.
Jese's current Madrid deal ends in 2017, and AS has reported recently that the club are keen to get the Canary Islander to sign a new contract and then loan him out for 2016-17 with Espanyol, Las Palmas and Bayer Leverkusen as possible destinations.
Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea have been mentioned as potential suitors, but such speculation of a big-money move has been less common recently.
While his agent Gines Carvajal has talked about listening to offers from other clubs in the past, the young forward has regularly spoken about his wish to stay at the Bernabeu and fight for his place.