By Enitan Abdultawab

Manchester City have rejected a £55m bid from Barcelona for midfielder Rodri, with the Spanish club still keen to sign the World Cup-winning midfielder.

Barcelona had previously seen an offer of around £40m rejected by City before returning with an improved proposal. However, the latest bid has also been turned down, with City reportedly seeking more than £60m for the 30-year-old.

Despite the latest setback, Barcelona remain interested in Rodri and are considering their next move as negotiations continue.

Rodri has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad, but City are reluctant to sell the Spain international and would prefer to extend his deal.

According to Sky Sports, City do not want to lose the midfielder and hope to reach an agreement over a new contract. However, the club would not stand in his way if Rodri formally asks to leave.

The main point of disagreement between the two clubs is their valuation of the midfielder. Manchester City are demanding an initial guaranteed fee of between €70m and €80m before considering Rodri’s departure.

Barcelona, however, are constrained by La Liga’s financial fair-play rules and can currently offer a package capped at around €65m.

Much of the Spanish club’s proposal is tied to variables, add-ons and other conditional payments rather than an immediate guaranteed fee.

City could therefore lose two central midfielders this summer, although the club are also exploring replacements, including Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.