Barcelona have stepped up their efforts to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with the Catalan club prepared to offer about €60m as negotiations between the two clubs continue.
Transfer News Live, citing Sport, reports that Barcelona are seeking to reach an agreement for the Spain international after Manchester City rejected an initial proposal worth €45m plus a further €10m in potential bonuses.
Manchester City had initially placed a valuation of approximately €80m on the 30-year-old, but the English club are now expected to accept a deal that comes closer to €70m. Barcelona are keen to complete the transfer as quickly as possible and are continuing discussions with their Premier League counterparts.
The latest proposal represents an increase on Barcelona’s opening offer, although the reported €60m package remains below the figure Manchester City are ultimately expected to approve. The structure and final value of the agreement remain part of the ongoing negotiations.
Rodri’s current contract with Manchester City is due to expire next year, a factor that could influence the English club’s position as the talks develop. Barcelona are attempting to use the situation to secure the midfielder, while Manchester City weigh up whether to agree a sale before the final year of his contract.
The player has already given his verbal approval to a move to Barcelona. That agreement means the Catalan club’s priority is now to settle the financial terms with Manchester City and bring the negotiations to a conclusion.
Barcelona’s willingness to increase their offer follows the rejection of their first proposal. That initial bid combined a guaranteed payment of €45m with €10m in bonuses, but Manchester City did not accept the terms.
The two clubs therefore remain in contact over a possible transfer that could eventually be worth close to €70m. Barcelona’s reported €60m offer is the latest step in the process, with the club hoping its pursuit of Rodri can be completed without delay.