Real Madrid are preparing a formal bid for Rodri, the Spain World Cup-winning captain and Manchester City midfielder, with the Spanish club believed to be willing to offer between £43m and £51m (€50m–€60m) for a player who has just one year remaining on his contract.

Sky Sports News understands that Real Madrid have already made initial contact with Manchester City. City, however, are eager to keep Rodri and are working to secure a new long-term deal with their most influential player.

Rodri's situation at City

Rodri underwent back surgery on Monday and is currently in recovery. He is expected to miss both the Community Shield and the opening Premier League fixture of the season.

City's new manager Enzo Maresca views Rodri as a cornerstone of his plans, making any sale doubly difficult for the club to contemplate. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, freshly re-elected to his post, had faced criticism over the club's limited presence in the Spain national team — a situation he is now moving to address.

Real Madrid have already bolstered their ranks this summer by signing Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, and a move for Rodri is reportedly supported by everyone inside the club.

How big a loss would Rodri be?

Sky Sports analyst Laura Hunter describes the potential departure as massive. Despite his age and injury history, Rodri stands as the most complete central midfielder to have played in the Premier League over the past five years. Manager Pep Guardiola has called him