Manchester city to ward off Real Madrid interest for star player with bumper contract

Manchester City have reportedly began talks with Rodri over a contract renewal in a bid to stave off interest from European champions Real Madrid.

Rodri has been one of the most important players for Manchester City in recent seasons. Last term, Pep Guardiola’s side did not lose a single league game Rodri featured in. 

Off the back of that remarkable season, he went into the Euros and was the stand-out player in the competition, winning the title and Player of the Tournament to boot. 

His remarkable performance for La Roja heightened interest from top clubs back home in him, and with Real Madrid in the best position financially to sign him, they have been linked with a move. 

Los Blancos defender Dani Carvajal substantiated the rumours when he told reporters he tried to convince Rodri to join Real Madrid. 

According to Dario AS, Manchester City have started the process of offering Rodri a new contract. 

The Spain international still has a contract until 2027, but Manchester City are prepared to offer him an even longer contract and reward him with a massive pay bump in a bid to ward off prying eyes. 

Rodri was unused in the Premier League opening triumph over Chelsea. Guardiola explained that the midfielder had yet to train since returning from the holidays. It remains to be seen if he will make the team for the first home game of the season against Ipswich next weekend.