Despite scoring for Real Madrid in their 3-0 Champions League final triumph last season McManaman has been knocked down the pecking order after the signing of Luis Figo.

The Portuguese star joined Real from Spanish rivals Barcelona for a world record fee of £44million. If Figo picks up an injury Julio Alvarez and Albert Celades are thought to be preferred to McManaman as a replacement.

Del Bosque said: 'I have pointed out to McManaman there are others in front of him at the club and said there is little chance of him playing this year.'

The decision to leave Madrid rests solely with McManaman who has three years left on his contract at the Bernabeu.

The 28-year-old England international said: 'I want to stay and fight for my position in the team and make as many appearances as possible.

'I spoke with Real general manager Jose Martinez Pirri last week and with the coach yesterday.

'Both of them told me it was not going to be easy for me to win a place in the team, but that has already happened to me with Liverpool and England and I did not expect anything else with Real Madrid this season.

The former Liverpool player said last week that he would not return to the Premiership but if things don't work out he may have to accept an offer from an English Club.