Manchester City have turned down Barcelona’s opening bid for Rodri, with the Premier League club refusing to entertain an offer of around £38.5 million for the Spain international as questions continue over his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.According to the BBC, Barcelona have intensified their pursuit of the 30-year-old midfielder after receiving positive signals from Rodri’s camp to begin formal negotiations. However, the La Liga champions saw their first proposal rejected, with City reportedly valuing the Ballon d’Or winner at more than £60 million.Rodri’s situation has become one of the biggest talking points of the transfer window as he enters the final year of his contract and has yet to sign a new deal with Manchester City. Real Madrid, who had previously been linked with the midfielder, are no longer believed to be in the race for his signature.The Spanish star heads into the transfer saga on the back of an outstanding FIFA World Cup campaign. After battling injuries over the previous two seasons, Rodri returned to his best on football’s biggest stage, playing a pivotal role in Spain’s World Cup triumph. His commanding displays in midfield earned him the tournament’s Best Player award as Spain lifted the trophy.At present, Rodri is recovering from back surgery that he underwent last month. He is expected to return to Manchester next week to continue his rehabilitation with City’s medical staff.Manchester City are keen to reach a decision on Rodri’s future before the closing stages of the transfer window. Should the midfielder leave, the club wants enough time to secure a replacement before the deadline.Pep Guardiola’s side narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season, finishing second behind Arsenal.City have already drawn up a shortlist of possible replacements, with Lille’s highly rated 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi emerging as a leading candidate. However, any move could prove difficult, with the French club reportedly demanding around £86 million for the teenager.
