Rodri could be on his way out of Manchester City this summer with Barcelona keen to sign the World Cup winner.
Barcelona have been told to stump up at least £70million if they want to sign Manchester City superstar Rodri.
Barca are said to be plotting an improved bid of £55m plus add-ons, which would take the offer to £60m. But this is still £10m short of what Etihad bosses are demanding for the World Cup winner, having originally stated they wanted at least £60m for the midfielder. City know the pressure is now on Barca to meet the asking price for someone the Spanish giants have promised to sign.
Rodri snubbed a move to bitter rivals Real Madrid in the belief he would be joining the La Liga champions. But unless Barca president Joan Laporta is willing to pay what City want, the deal will not happen.
Rodri, 30, has entered the final 12 months of his deal at the Etihad. And while he could leave City for nothing next summer, club chiefs believe £70m is a fair valuation of someone who remains one of the world’s best players.
Rodri has now won the World Cup, the Euros, a Ballon d’Or and 13 trophies with City, including the Treble, to become one of the most decorated players on the planet.
City are said to be comfortable with the situation and are happy to keep Rodri at the Etihad for at least one more season, even if it means he leaves for nothing next summer. In the meantime, Rodri is expected to report back to pre-season training on Friday.
He has been recovering from a back operation he underwent after the World Cup. Should City strike a deal with Barca to sell Rodri, the Spaniard will be replaced at the Etihad, despite City having already shelled out £116m on Elliot Anderson.
The club are in talks with Lille over the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi, but have made clear they will replace any midfield outgoings in addition to bringing in Bouaddi.
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