MANCHESTER CITY HAVE rejected Barcelona’s €45 million opening bid for key man Rodri. AdvertisementReal Madrid had hoped to sign Rodri, but Barça have moved ahead in the race for his signature, although their opening bid in the region of €45 million (£38.5 million) was rejected out of hand by City. Enzo Maresca’s side are understood to instead want around €80 million (£68.5 million) for a player who last month not only won the World Cup but was named player of the tournament. Rodri joined City from Atlético Madrid in 2019, playing a part in four Premier League title triumphs and the 2023 Champions League victory during a success-laden period under former boss Pep Guardiola. Rodri managed 33 appearances in all competitions last term before heading to the World Cup with Spain.