Liverpool FC £12m call could explain unpopular Man City transfer position

Two games into their pre-season, Manchester City are still without a solution to the problem that could have derailed them last year.

The European Championship has cemented what Blues have known for at least two years: Rodri is the best player in the world in his position and when he doesn't play there is a considerable drop in level from the team. Of the three Premier League matches that Pep Guardiola's side lost last season, the main attributing factor was that Rodri was absent.

Rodri needs protection though, and can't be expected to play as many games as he did last season or the year before. When Guardiola warns of players potentially dying from the schedule, there is nobody in his squad whose workload tops the Spaniard's.

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Getting another body in in the transfer market seems obvious, however difficult it is to convince someone to be a back-up. Ferran Soriano spoke on record of the need for such a player in 2022 when they signed Kalvin Phillips, and now that Phillips has been deemed below the level of what they want a new face is surely required.

Despite that, no names have surfaced for potential targets in that position during this window and there has been no public suggestion that City are interested. Guardiola said recently that there is between 85 and 95 per cent chance of no more new arrivals in the window.

That seems difficult to square ahead of the challenges coming from what could be the most draining season yet, although Liverpool may offer a clue as to the reality of the market. Arne Slot's side have rejected a £12m bid from Marseille for