Real Madrid 'closing in' on agreement to sign Rodri as Man City exit nears

Real Madrid are edging closer to agreeing a deal to sign Manchester City star Rodri following his performances at the World Cup.

The 30-year-old was outstanding for Spain, as he won Player of the Tournament alongside the World Cup, beating Argentina in what proved to be a one-sided final.

Los Blancos have been long-term admirers of the midfielder, and originally planned to pursue him on a free transfer when his Man City deal expires in 2027.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Real Madrid are set to accelerate their plans to sign Rodri following his performances on the biggest stage.

This comes months after the Spaniard publicly declared his desire to play for Jose Mourinho's side, as he revealed he would find it difficult to turn down their advances.

Man City have been reluctant to lose the player who they hope will play a crucial role in any success they have under Enzo Maresca, but it may now be difficult to keep him.

Will Real Madrid make a move to sign Rodri?

Brown told Football Insider on 20 July that Man City are bracing to receive offers for Rodri after his performances at the World Cup sparked renewed interest in his situation.

Real Madrid have long been considered the front-runners to land the midfielder, but reports have suggested president Florentino Perez has so far blocked the move.

That could soon change, however, given the level of Rodri's talent and experience which would make him a valuable asset for Mourinho's new-look Los Blancos side.

"Rodri is bound to attract interest after how well he did at the World Cup," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's just won the World Cup and the Player of the Tournament award, so of course there is interest in him, but that's the exact same reason Man City won't want to let him go.

"For Real Madrid, that's exactly the reason they now want to step up their interest, because they've seen that he's still capable of playing at his best.

"Rodri has been open about wanting to play for Real Madrid, it's not a secret, so if the opportunity comes up then it's something he is going to want to explore.

"It's going to be hard for Man City to keep him if, or when, Real Madrid do make their move and I expect they will be closing in on an agreement before the window closes.

"Jose Mourinho is in there now, we know how much he values experince, so to add somebody like Rodri with all his talent and know-how is going to be a big boost for him.

"Obviously they'll have to agree a deal with Man City either way, but with Rodri open to the move and Madrid keen to get it done, it looks like it will be difficult."

How do Man City feel about losing Rodri?

Speculation surrounding Rodri's future will come as a blow to Maresca's plans, with the new boss having been keen to utilise the Spaniard in the heart of his midfield.

After stepping in to replace Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, Maresca now has bid shoes to fill and hopes to keep his best players at the club to give him the best chance of success.

Football Insider revealed in May that Rodri is being lined up for new contract talks at Man City as they hope to get his long-term future tied down.

There are now less than 12 months remaining on his current deal at the Etihad, with City keen to see him commit his long-term future to the club.

However, Real Madrid are keen to capitalise on his situation and believe a fee can be agreed to bring him to the Bernabeu one year ahead of schedule.