Real Madrid continue to track Man City heavyweight as alternative for top midfield target | OneFootball

Real Madrid have made it a priority to sign a new central midfielder in the summer later this year, having realised the mistake of not replacing the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

PSG superstar Vitinha, to that end, has emerged as a key target for the Spanish capital giants, who are waiting for a gesture from the Portuguese international before making a move.

But, there will be complications in the deal for Vitinha, which is why Real Madrid are keeping an eye out for possible alternatives in the market.

Rodri on Real Madrid radar

Now, according to Cadena SER, Real Madrid are also keeping a close eye on Manchester City midfield general Rodri Hernandez as an alternative to Vitinha.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, a key figure in Spain’s European Championship-winning side under Luis de la Fuente, continues to be monitored weekly by Los Blancos with an eye on a potential summer move.

Rodri remains an option for Real Madrid. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Indeed, Real Madrid are continuing to analyse Rodri’s performances match by match as they see him as Plan B if a move for Vitinha proves unfeasible due to PSG’s financial strength.

Particular attention is being paid to the Spanish international’s physical condition and whether he has fully recovered from the injury that kept him out of top-level football for almost an entire season.

There are two decisive factors which could decide how things go with Real Madrid’s pursuit of the Manchester City superstar.

The first is whether the player chooses to renew his contract or not, with the deal currently set to expire in 2027.

The second is whether Pep Guardiola remains in charge at Manchester City or decides to step away at the end of the season to begin a new project, as it could influence Rodri’s future.