Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up their interest in a Manchester City amid suggestions the La Liga club are also keen on Phil Foden. The English attacking midfielder is one of Europe's best talents and seems to have caught Florentino Perez's eye.
Foden has starred for City over the years and has been impressive this term with 10 goals and four assists in 34 games across competitions. He is a key man in Pep Guardiola's squad and has won six Premier League titles at the age of 25.
Reports claim that Madrid are prepared to make a world record bid for Foden. That could be with Jude Bellingham in mind given he has struggled to impress this season.
Real Madrid getting serious about Rodri
Guardiola's future is uncertain, with doubts growing over his continuing at the Etihad once the season ends. If he does leave, he could be followed out the door by some of his favorites, including Spanish midfielder Rodri
Madrid are reportedly "stepping up their interest" in Rodri who has 18 months left on his contract, per TEAMtalk. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner hasn't been at his best this season but remains one of the highly-rated holding midfielders in world football.
Rodri has appeared 18 times across competitions, scoring one goal for Guardiola's side who are trailing Arsenal in the Premier League title race. His potential return to Spain and a move to the Bernabeu has been a topic of discussion since Euro 2024.
Madrid view the Spaniard as the "ideal on-pitch general" and someone who can anchor the midfield and command the dressing room. This is much-needed amid player power taking hold over the course of the campaign.
Dani Carvajal has tried to get Rodri to join
This summer's World Cup will see Spain look to win the tournament for a second time. Luis de la Fuente's La Roja arrive in North America as European champions after winning Euro 2024.
Rodri will likely be selected if he remains fit and that might be the same situation for Dani Carvajal. The Madrid captain has endured an injury-ridden season but his experience could be key.
Carvajal and Rodri played important roles in the Euro 2024 win and are good friends. Los Blancos' veteran right-back explained at the time how he had been trying to convince the midfielder to join the La Liga giants (via COPE):
"I tell him every day: 'Leave Manchester, the sun doesn't shine there, come to Madrid, we need you. You're from Madrid too'"
Rodri started his career with Atletico Madrid and could return to the Spanish capital if he were to join Real. His future might depend on Guardiola and whether the former Barcelona boss calls time on his City reign.