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Man City ‘confirm’ to Atletico Madrid they’ll pay Rodri release clause, talks underway
MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly confirmed that they will pay the release clause for Rodri from Atletico Madrid, as contract talks with the young Spaniard get underway.
Man City: Rodri has FIRM deal reveals Duncan Castles
Man City have told Atletico that they will pay the £63m (€70m) release clause for Rodri, it’s been claimed.
The player, who has been hailed as the next Sergio Busquets, has started contract talks with City, according to Sky Sports reporter Fabrizio Romano.
Rodri had been contemplating a move away from Atletico since the end of the season.
It was this morning reported that he had opted to part ways with Diego Simeone, with the Etihad Stadium his most likely destination.
Manchester City have just confirmed to Atlético Madrid they’re going to pay the release clause for Rodri
“Manchester City have just confirmed to Atlético Madrid they’re going to pay the release clause for Rodri,” said Romano on Twitter.
“Final price: €70M. The player is discussing his contract now.”
Guardiola’s project at City had convinced the 22-year-old to link up with his fellow Spaniard.
The City manager told Rodri that he wanted to make him the key man in the Citizens’ midfield.
City have long been looking for a replacement for Fernandinho, who despite still provides huge amounts of quality in the middle of the pitch, isn’t getting any younger.
Guardiola wants to make Rodri his new Sergio Busquets in the Premier League, according to Marca.
The City boss promoted Busquets to the Barcelona first team when he was in charge of the Catalan club.
Rodri has already started to take Busquets’ place in the Spanish national team, and Guardiola is aiming to make the same transition at City.
City are hoping to play Rodri alongside Ilkay Gundogan in a defensive midfield role next season, added Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.
“As expected Rodri will leave AtM - wanted by City, Bayern and even United, the first two favourite.
“They will get a [Sergio] Busquets-type [exceptional defensive positioning, good delivery of ball] but not yet at his level.
“For #MCFC the plan would be to play mostly [Ilkay] Gundogan and Rodri in holding midfielder role, with Fernandinho sharing duties there and as a third centre-back.”