Barcelona have joined Real Madrid in the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer. The Spanish giants are both keen on the World Cup winner, who is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad.
Rodri has resisted City's efforts to extend his stay, with offers of a new deal remaining unsigned. The speculation linking him with a return to La Liga has not been shut down by the player or his representatives.
World Cup performances boost interest
His displays at the World Cup have put him in contention for the Ballon d'Or and prompted Spain's top clubs to pursue a deal. City expect Rodri to return for the new season and would demand a significant fee that reflects his status, but they are aware of the substantial interest in him.
City's summer business
City have already broken their transfer record this summer, bringing in Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m. They are also working on a deal for Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, though the French club are reluctant to let the Moroccan teenager leave cheaply.
Having already lost Bernardo Silva, keeping Rodri could be pivotal to City's title hopes. The Blues narrowly missed out on the Premier League title to Arsenal last season, with the 30-year-old missing crucial matches in the run-in.
