Manchester City have rejected an opening bid of £38.5m from Barcelona for midfielder Rodri, with the club demanding more than £60m before sanctioning a sale. Barcelona have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature after securing the player’s approval to begin negotiations with City. Real Madrid, who had previously been considered his likely destination, have since ended their pursuit. AdvertisementHe is currently recovering from back surgery and is expected to rejoin City training in Manchester early next week. Spanish radio network Cadena Ser reported that Real Madrid had made Rodri an “irresistible” offer shortly after Spain’s World Cup win, with talks beginning within days of the tournament.