Barcelona are confident they can pip Real Madrid to the signature of Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer, according to Sky Sports News. The Spain captain has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad, making him one of the most coveted players of the transfer window.

Both Madrid clubs in the hunt

Barcelona have received encouraging signals that they stand a genuine chance of landing Rodri if he leaves Manchester City during this window. Real Madrid are also pushing hard and are reported to be willing to pay in the region of £43m–£51m for the reigning World Cup winner.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez faced criticism after his re-election over the club's limited representation in the Spain squad at the World Cup. The club have already moved to address that gap by signing Marc Cucurella from Chelsea as the tournament was under way, and are now keen to add Rodri to their ranks.

City determined to hold on

Manchester City have made clear they have no desire to sell. The club want Rodri to commit to a new long-term deal and spearhead their project under manager Enzo Maresca into the next era. Rodri is currently recovering from back surgery performed after the World Cup and is expected to miss the Community Shield against Arsenal and the opening Premier League fixture of the season.

Carragher: keep him at any price

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was emphatic in his view that City should resist any offer in the £40m–£50m range.