‘Man City now likely to agree Rodri deal after Real Madrid latest’
Man City are pushing towards reaching an agreement over a new contract for Rodri despite reported interest from Real Madrid.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 28-year-old has no interest in leaving the club any time soon.
As a result, talks are expected to be a formality with all parties working towards a deal to extend his stay at the Etihad beyond the current 2027 expiry date.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 25 April that Man City will offer Rodri a new deal to deter interest from Los Blancos this summer.
Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled without the Ballon d’Or winner in the middle of the park so far this season and are determined not to lose him for good.
With Kevin de Bruyne set to leave Man City, the club have no intention of letting multiple key players leave in the same window and will reject any advances for Rodri.
Man City to hold Rodri contract talks after Real Madrid swoop
Brown told Football Insider in November that Rodri could struggle to turn down Real Madrid after he told Spanish media it was an “honour” to be linked with the move.
However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has now insisted it is highly unlikely he will leave City this summer.
“Obviously, City are going to take steps to keep him at the club,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s still very highly-rated there despite his injury and they want to keep their best players at the club, especially with De Bruyne on his way out.
“He’s been a huge miss to them while he’s been out so they won’t want to lose him permanently.
“Bare in mind, of course, he’s still the Ballon d’Or winner.
“It’s not a surprise to hear Real Madrid are interested because they’re always looking to sign the best players in the world if they can.
“But from what I hear and by all accounts Rodri is happy at Man City and Man City are happy with him.
“I don’t think there is any intention on either side to see him leave this summer.”
James McAtee could quit after Nottingham Forest latest
While efforts are being made to keep Rodri at the club, one player who could leave City this summer is James McAtee amid constant exit rumours.
Football Insider revealed on 29 April that McAtee could quit Man City in search of increased playing time, with a move to Nottingham Forest now on the cards.
With just 297 Premier League minutes played, the midfielder has featured the least out of any City player to make more than ten appearances so far this season.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that McAtee will not be a Man City player next season and Guardiola has given the green light for his departure.
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