Manchester City have turned down an opening opening offer of £38.5m from Barcelona for star midfielder Rodri.
City are open to letting the 30-year-old leave after he expressed a desire for a new challenge, but they are holding firm on an asking price of over £60 million.
Real Madrid were initially leading the chase, but talks ended after Barcelona reached a personal agreement with Rodri’s representatives.
Rodri is entering the final 12 months of his deal at the Etihad and has decided against signing an extension.
City are already working on a replacement and are in ongoing talks for Lille’s 18-year-old talent Ayyoub Bouaddi, though Lille’s £86m valuation remains a sticking point.
City won’t force the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner to stay, but they won’t let him go on the cheap either. Expect Barcelona to come back with an improved bid before the window closes.
