- Barcelona submitted a €45m (£38.7m) bid for Manchester City's World Cup-winning captain, Rodri, which was subsequently rejected.
- Manchester City deemed the offer an unserious price for the Ballon d’Or winner and are unwilling to enter meaningful negotiations unless Barcelona's bid approaches their valuation.
- Rodri, who was signed by City for £62.6m in 2019, is in the final year of his contract, raising the prospect of a free transfer next summer, but the club is keen to avoid selling him at a substantial loss.
- The Spanish champions turned their attention to Rodri after their midfielder Frenkie de Jong was sidelined due to an ankle injury.
- Rodri, who recently underwent minor back surgery, is expected to return to fitness soon, while City have already spent £116m on midfielder Elliot Anderson this summer.
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