Manchester City could demand up to €70 million for Real Madrid midfield target | OneFootball

After their initial reluctance, it appears Real Madrid are strongly entertaining the possibility of signing Rodri this summer, in order to beef up their options in the middle of the park.

The club have reportedly reached an agreement with the Spanish midfielder over personal terms, with the player prepared to join Los Blancos heading into the new season.

However, that is the easy part done. Real Madrid must now kickstart negotiations with Manchester City, who are determined to keep hold of the player by offering him a new contract.

Man City set to demand €70 million

According to COPE, Manchester City could demand up to €70 million to sell Rodri this summer.

Mourinho is desperate to sign Rodri this summer. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

This comes right after reports which suggest Real Madrid have started formal negotiations with the Premier League giants over Rodri’s transfer this summer.

This is a steep figure considering the fact that Rodri’s contract at the Etihad expires at the end of next season, meaning the player is already in the last 12 months of his contract.

However, it must be noted that Rodri is a Ballon d’Or winner and is one of the favourites to win the coveted trophy once again after his tremendous performances at the World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball.

Man City will also take into account that Real Madrid new coach Jose Mourinho is desperate to get his hands on the player, as he looks to add serious quality to his midfield.

The one fact that works for Real Madrid

Rodri was the best player at the World Cup. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Fortunately for Real Madrid, Manchester City are not known to be shrewd negotiators and have historically been very lenient with players who want to leave the club.

That was the case at least under the leadership of Pep Guardiola, who never stopped anyone from leaving the club if they were sure about parting ways.

That means Man City won’t fight hard to keep hold of Rodri, if they are sure the Spanish international does not want to renew his contract at Etihad this summer.

As a result, there could be room for some level of negotiations, although it is unlikely that the asking price of Rodri will go down anywhere below the €60 million mark.