Manchester City have turned down Barcelona’s opening £38.5 million offer for midfielder Rodri as the Spanish champions step up their pursuit of the Ballon d’Or winner. Barcelona made their first formal approach on Friday after receiving the player’s approval to open negotiations with City. Talks between Rodri’s camp and Real Madrid have ended, leaving the Catalan club with a clear opportunity to strike a deal. The club confirmed on Friday that talks with the player’s representatives are continuing before submitting their opening bid. Meanwhile, City remain in talks over a move for Lille’s highly rated Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.