Barcelona go head-to-head with bitter rivals Real Madrid in battle to sign Man City midfielder Rodri

Barcelona have finally made their interest in Manchester City midfielder Rodri official to rival Real Madrid for his signature.

Rodri wants to return to Spain for family reasons but Manchester City have been waiting for other clubs to declare their interest to get the optimum price for the 30-year-old.

They made a new contract offer to the Spain captain in April - who has one year left on his current terms - but are aware of his desire to explore a move back.

Rodri was keen on a move to Madrid but equally is understood to be open to joining Barca’s project where eight of the national team are in the current squad.

Barcelona beat Real Madrid to LaLiga last season, clinching the win in May with a 2-0 victory in El Clasico.

City have already signed Elliot Anderson and are working on a deal for Lille midfield prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Rodri wants to return to Spain for family reasons but Manchester City have been waiting for other clubs to declare their interest to get the optimum price for the 30-year-old

The Spanish captain was pivotal in the semi-final win against France, shielding the defence and limiting France to an expected goals tally of just 0.3

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was initially reluctant to back the transfer but others within the club have suggested it would be a good deal for the club and their image.

Jose Mourinho has been brought in to eradicate a perceived divisiveness in the Madrid dressing room and has already pushed for senior players to be recruited.

Rodri, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, heads into the new season on the back of World Cup glory with Spain - the midfielder having been named player of the tournament as Spain claimed a second men's world title.

Rodri was instrumental throughout the competition, covering a tournament-high 96km, with Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister second on 91km.

In Spain's 2-0 semi-final victory over France, Rodri covered more than 12.5km and helped restrict their opponents to an expected goals tally of just 0.3.

His performances have strengthened comparisons with Sergio Busquets, with many in Spain viewing him as the foundation of the current national side.

Despite hamstring and groin injuries limiting his involvement at club level last season, Rodri still made 33 appearances for Manchester City.