Man City set transfer price for Rodri with Barcelona way off valuation – after he picked them over Real Madrid move

MANCHESTER CITY have already rejected a bid from Barcelona for Rodri and will demand more than £60million if he insists on leaving. The Catalan giants want to sign the former Ballon d’Or winner, 30, who prefers them over a move to rivals Real Madrid. Man City want more than £60million for Rodri Credit: Getty The Etihad star helped Spain to their second World Cup title last month Credit: Getty City have already laughed off a very low bid, with reports in Spain suggesting it was in the region of £38m. The two clubs are not currently in negotiations and it will take a much bigger fee to tempt the Prem club to part with their World Cup winner – even though he only has 10 months remaining on his contract. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! City’s stance has always been that if a player is clear that he wants to leave then they will not stand in his way. Rodri’s agent told a Spanish television station that the midfielder had decided he wants a switch to the Nou Camp – despite previous interest from Real Madrid. He was quoted as saying: “Out of respect for Madrid – as they have been class – Rodri has informed them his decision is to join Barca.” But the club’s hierarchy – many of whom are here in Seoul for the second leg of their pre-season tour – have not been informed of that as things stand. Rodri is due back at the City Football Academy early next week to begin his preparations for the season. However he underwent a minor back operation after the World Cup so that could put his return to training back a few days. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK City are pushing on with their transfer for Morocco star Ayyoub Bouaddi regardless of whether Rodri stays Credit: Getty City are pushing on with their move for Lille’s £85m-rated youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi regardless of what happens with Rodri. Sources at the Etihad have indicated that progress has been made over the Morocco World Cup star, 18, in recent days. However if Rodri goes, then City are likely to look for a replacement – even though they have new boy Elliot Anderson and Nico Gonzalez already in that position. Comment now