By Eduardo Fernandez-Abascal
Manchester City target Rodri has told Atletico Madrid he wants to leave this summer but the Spain international is yet to decide his next move, sources have told ESPN FC.
Sources had told ESPN FC in April that Pep Guardiola had earmarked Rodri as a top priority for the summer transfer window and the midfielder has been likened to Sergio Busquets, who was a key player for the ex-Bayern Munich boss at Barcelona. Guardiola sees Rodri as the ideal long-term replacement for Fernandinho.
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City are still interested in the 22-year-old and would be ready to meet his €70 million buy-out clause to complete his signing but sources has told ESPN FC the Premier League champions still face competition from another top European side who are also monitoring the situation.
Rodri is considering his options and will make a decision before the end of the month.
City had originally been offered Saul Niguez, but Guardiola saw Rodri as being more suited to the holding midfielder role, sources told ESPN FC.
Meanwhile, sources have also told ESPN FC Atletico are in negotiations with rivals Real Madrid over the signing of Marcos Llorente as Rodri’s replacement.
Atletico have already agreed personal terms with Llorente but Madrid are reluctant to sell him to their neighbours so the negotiations will not be simple.