Barcelona have intensified their attempts to hijack Real Madrid's move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with the Premier League club willing to sell the Spain captain for around £60m as he enters the final year of his contract.
Despite weeks of negotiations between Real Madrid and Rodri's representatives, no agreement has been reached, and Barcelona are now poised to exploit the deadlock. The 30-year-old, who won the Golden Ball as the World Cup's best player, has indicated his desire to return to Spain.
Barcelona's direct approach
According to reports, Rodri held talks with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco on Wednesday, expressing his keenness to join the Catalan club. Barcelona are now expected to contact City to discuss the structure of the £60m fee, which would represent a significant outlay for a player in the final year of his deal.
The urgency at Barcelona is heightened by the injury to Frenkie de Jong, who will be sidelined for several months after sustaining a knee injury. The Dutch midfielder's absence leaves a void in the centre of the park, making Rodri a priority target.
Real Madrid's financial constraints
Real Madrid have already invested heavily this summer, having signed Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a club-record £115m. Additionally, they have agreed a lucrative six-year contract extension with Vinícius Júnior to fend off interest from Arsenal. These commitments may force Real to offload players before they can afford Rodri, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga touted as possible departures. Manchester United have been linked with both France internationals.
Rodri, who has undergone minor back surgery, is set to miss most of City's pre-season programme. City, meanwhile, have bolstered their squad with the £116m signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and are negotiating with Lille for 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Alvarez saga continues
Barcelona have also been frustrated in their attempts to sign Julián Alvarez from Atlético Madrid. Following Robert Lewandowski's departure, Barcelona have made Alvarez their primary striking target, but Atlético insist the Argentina forward is not for sale at any price. Deco met with Alvarez's representatives in Madrid on Wednesday, and attention now turns to whether the 26-year-old former City player will report for pre-season training on Monday or push for a move. Arsenal also retain interest in the striker.
Ferran Torres contract situation
Meanwhile, Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final against Argentina, has entered the final year of his Barcelona contract. He stated: "All I know is that I have to be in training for Barcelona on 12 August. Let's see what happens." When asked what Barcelona needed to do to keep him, he replied: "Show me they want me, come to negotiate."
Trafford's Leeds move
In other transfer news, James Trafford has completed a medical at Elland Road ahead of a club-record move to Leeds United. The 23-year-old goalkeeper will join for a fee of £40m plus add-ons from City, making him the world's fourth most expensive goalkeeper.
