City reject Barcelona's opening offer for Rodri

Manchester City has rejected Barcelona's opening offer of £38.5 million for midfielder Rodri, according to BBC Sport. The Premier League side are willing to sell the Spanish international but demand more than £60 million for his transfer.

The midfielder is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad and has yet to sign a new deal. Real Madrid appeared to be the likely destination, but Barcelona has now taken the lead after securing the player's approval to negotiate. Barcelona made their opening bid on Friday following talks with his representatives.

Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion with Spain, is currently recovering from back surgery and is scheduled to return to City early next week. The club aim to settle his future quickly to bring in a replacement, with Lille demanding €86 million for Moroccan teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi.