Barcelona ‘could hijack Rodri’s Real Madrid transfer with Man City star and World Cup winner having Mourinho doubts’

MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly braced for an attempt from Barcelona to sign Rodri before the transfer window closes. The 30-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium in recent months. Barcelona could move for Rodri before the end of the transfer window Credit: Getty The La Liga champions could challenge Real Madrid for the midfielder Credit: Getty Real Madrid are known to be interested, with Paris Saint-Germain also believed to be considering trying to strike a deal. However, both could find themselves overtaken by LaLiga champions Barcelona in the race for the World Cup winner. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Spanish outlet Sport has claimed that Man City are confident that Barcelona will come in with an offer. The Premier League giants have therefore stalled negotiations with Real Madrid for the time being. Real Madrid allegedly began negotiations for Rodri around 10 days ago, with president Florentino Perez having given the green light. However, no agreement has been reached. City are now holding off on talks because officials have been informed that Rodri is highly regarded at the Nou Camp. There has also been a suggestion that Rodri might be having doubts about joining Real Madrid because he feels that he could develop more at Barcelona rather than under Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Man City allegedly want around £56million for the midfielder, while Los Blancos are only prepared to bid a maximum of £43m. Sport claims that Barcelona officials have been considering a move, but the main obstacle preventing them from attempting a negotiation is the cost. On top of the transfer fee, they are concerned that Rodri’s salary would be difficult to fit within the cap. A final decision is yet to be made. Rodri goes into the new season having just won the World Cup with Spain. He also made 33 appearances for Man City last term, but was hampered by injuries to his hamstring and groin. Comment now