CORNERFLICK
Real Madrid have decided to push ahead with a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with talks intensifying after a secret meeting in Madrid following the Club World Cup.
According to L'Équipe, Florentino Pérez initially needed persuading, but the club’s board has now settled on Rodri as the player best placed to fill the gap left by Toni Kroos, who retired two years ago.
The main obstacle is money. Madrid do not want to pay more than €60m, while City are holding out for €100m before they will agree to sell.
Sky Sports also reported that Rodri’s chances of joining Madrid this summer are increasing. The meeting, held in a restaurant in the Spanish capital between club officials and the player’s agent, ended with Madrid determined to keep working on the deal.
Madrid are preparing a contract offer running to 2030 and are now trying to reach agreement with Rodri over personal terms.