Barcelona is reportedly preparing to approach Manchester City for midfielder Rodri, aiming to outbid rivals Real Madrid for the Spain captain.

Real Madrid has been in discussions with City and is prepared to offer £50m for the player, who has entered the final year of his contract. Barcelona believes they have a strong chance of signing Rodri if he moves this transfer window.

However, Manchester City is reluctant to sell their key player and hopes he will sign a new long-term contract. Rodri is currently recovering from back surgery and is expected to miss the Community Shield and the opening Premier League fixture. Experts like Jamie Carragher and Laura Hunter emphasize Rodri's importance to City, suggesting he is irreplaceable and that selling him would be a significant loss.