Marcus Bent has backed Everton to cash in on James Rodriguez during the summer transfer window.

The Colombia international made the move to Goodison Park from Spanish giants Real Madrid last September, reportedly for no transfer fee, linking up with Carlo Ancelotti for the second time in his career.

Rodriguez's arrival excited Everton's fans, but the 2014 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner saw his progress on Merseyside hampered by a string of injuries.

As a result, the ex-Bayern Munich loanee was restricted to just 26 appearances in his maiden campaign with the Toffees.

Rodriguez has now seen Ancelotti, who was a key reason for him agreeing to the move, depart Goodison Park in favour of a return to Real Madrid following Zinedine Zidane's resignation.

Rafa Benitez has been appointed as the Italian's successor despite his Liverpool links and ex-Toffees striker Bent feels it makes sense to allow Rodriguez to move on after a frustrating campaign in the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Bent said: "He wasn't consistent enough because of the injuries last season, but there's going to be a price on his head now.

"Obviously, if they cash in you know they are going to make some money back on him."