Real Madrid 'stance' on Rodri deal as Man City make Julian Alvarez replacement decision

Real Madrid have already made Manchester City talisman Rodri their top transfer target next summer.

That's according to reports from Duncan Castles - as per The Transfers Podcast - which looks at a range of possible deals with the deadline looming. Rodri, 28, has yet to appear for the Premier League champions to date this season after picking up an injury in Spain's Euro 2024 showpiece win over England this summer.

But could a return to La Liga be on the cards for the midfielder? Rodri is widely regarded as one of the best players on the planet in his or any position, while the Spaniard played for Atletico Madrid previously.

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Spanish giants Real have already made one marquee signing this summer, with Kylian Mbappe finally joining them from PSG, while England's Jude Bellingham was a high-profile addition last summer. The highly decorated club won yet another Champions League trophy last season after beating Pep Guardiola's side along the way.

Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 - so the player is no stranger to Spain's capital. He has totted-up 257 games for the champions, winning four Premier League medals and the 2023 Champions League - which came in a history-making treble-winning campaign for Guardiola's side. Real president Florentino Perez is said to admire Rodri.

Elsewhere, reports from GiveMeSport reckon City are 'definitely' going to sign another player before the impending deadline on Friday night. City are said to be in the market for a replacement for Julian Alvarez.

His departure for Atletico gave Guardiola and key figures behind the scenes a huge £81.5million