Manchester City face a potentially daunting transfer challenge after it emerged that Real Madrid are preparing a £60m bid for midfielder Rodri.
The 30-year-old Spain international has been a key player for City since his arrival in 2019, helping the team win the Premier League and the Champions League. However, despite his importance to the team, City remain hopeful that Rodri will sign a new contract to stay at the club.
A report in the Guardian suggests that City are bracing themselves for a bid from Real Madrid, but the Spanish giants' interest in Rodri may be driven by the fact that Paris St-Germain have no plans to pursue a move for the midfielder.
Rodri's current contract with City runs until 2027, and his decision to sign an extension could be a major boost for the club. If Real Madrid are successful in their bid, however, it could be a significant blow for City, who may struggle to replace the midfielder's creativity and experience.
Rodri's potential departure from City would also be a major coup for Real Madrid, who have been strengthening their squad ahead of the new season. The Spanish giants have already made a second offer worth between £94m and £98m for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, and it remains to be seen whether they will be successful in their bid for the 19-year-old.
In other transfer news, Leeds United are set to agree a £40m deal to sign 23-year-old England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. The move would be a significant coup for Leeds, who have been strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.
Trafford's potential departure from City would also be a blow to the club, who have been relying on the young goalkeeper to provide cover for their first-choice stopper. The move would be a major boost for Leeds, however, who are looking to establish themselves as a top-flight team.
The transfer window is set to remain open for several more weeks, and it remains to be seen how the situation surrounding Rodri and Trafford will develop. With City and Real Madrid locked in a battle for the midfielder's signature, it could be a fascinating few weeks ahead for football fans.
Source: BBC Sports