Manchester City step up efforts to renew key midfielder amid Real Madrid interest | OneFootball

Real Madrid contemplated the possibility of signing a new midfielder during the summer transfer window, but ultimately decided against it.

But the idea is for the Merengues to bring in a new player in the position next year and the main target on the club’s agenda happens to be Manchester City and Spain superstar Rodri.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has a lot of admirers at Real Madrid, and with his contract expiring in 2027, he will enter the final year of his deal at Manchester City next summer.

Manchester City eager to renew Rodri

Given the situation, though, according to reports in English media, as relayed by Fichajes, Manchester City have stepped up efforts to secure the future of Rodri amid interest from Real Madrid.

New sporting director Hugo Viana has made Rodri’s renewal his top priority, determined to safeguard the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and ensure he remains at the Etihad Stadium.

Rodri is on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Succeeding Txiki Begiristain in the sporting department, Viana is pushing to tie down Rodri, mindful of the departures of Ilkay Gündogan and Kevin De Bruyne.

“We want him to remain the heart of Manchester City for many years,” sources close to the club said.

Talks between the two parties have been ongoing for months, but the club now intend to accelerate towards an agreement to ward off suitors.

Having lost both Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the last two summers, Real Madrid see Rodri as the perfect addition to their midfield roster.

However, with Manchester City now accelerating efforts to secure his renewal, it remains to be seen if the Spanish capital giants are successful in landing the midfielder.