RODRI CONTRACT TALKS CONTINUE AS REAL MADRID INTEREST PERSISTS

Manchester City intends to resist approaches from Real Madrid for Rodri this summer, according to reports. The Spain midfielder has won the World Cup and been named player of the tournament, but his contract at City enters its final 12 months with no new agreement reached. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reported to be preparing an initial bid of £80 million, with willingness to increase the offer to £100 million.

City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak is said to be determined to keep Rodri at the club. New manager Enzo Maresca made Rodri's retention a stipulation when negotiating his appointment to replace Pep Guardiola six months ago. Maresca plans to build the team around the defensive midfielder and views him as integral to integrating new signing Elliot Anderson, who joined for £116 million. One report indicates Rodri is pushing to join Real Madrid, though accounts differ on the player's stance.

City officials remain hopeful of agreeing a new contract to secure Rodri's long-term future at the club. Maresca will hold his first media conference on Friday since taking the manager's position. The outcome of contract negotiations will determine whether Rodri remains at City or moves to the Spanish capital.