Rodri fuels £65m Man City transfer talk as midfielder asks Atletico Madrid for ‘space’ to make decision on future

RODRI has fuelled rumours over a £65million transfer to Manchester City as the midfielder asks Atletico Madrid for “space” to make a decision on his future.

Pep Guardiola remains the favourite on bringing the 22-year-old to the Prem but faces a battle with two of his former clubs in Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

The Spaniard wants to sign the former Villarreal star as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho after reportedly triggering his Atletico release clause.

Rodri has been mulling over a move to Manchester for the past 15 days, ahead of potentially becoming City’s first summer signing.

He told Deportes Cuatro: “I asked the club for peace of mind to give me space.

“It would be hypocritical to say that I can guarantee anything.

I asked the club (Atletico Madrid) for peace of mind to give me space

Rodri

“The only thing I can say is that I have a contract with Atletico Madrid, I have a clause, I have some conditions and today I am happy here.

“I cannot say anything else because I do not know what’s going to happen.”

Rodri has been lined up as part of Guardiola’s strengthening plan, after a stunning treble-winning season.

The 48-year-old has also made moves to leapfrog neighbours United and Real Madrid in the hunt for Joao Felix with a £106m bid.

Benfica are in a strong position as European giants queue up for the 19-year-old.

But City‘s reported bid eclipses an £80m offer from Real.

And Guardiola also knows Jurgen Klopp’s newly-crowned European champions will strengthen their own squad in an attempt to win the top flight for the first time since 1990.