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Rodri is the major gem Real Madrid want to secure as they close out a sweeping transfer window, with the club desperate to end two straight seasons without a single trophy.

As reported by the newspaper " Sport ", the Manchester City star has moved from being a player who received favourable reports inside the Merengues to a top priority, all after being crowned World Cup champion.

Several factors are now pushing the move in the right direction. Only the signature on the contract is left to finish negotiations between Real Madrid and Manchester City.

The Spain captain wants to come back home. He sees Madrid as the best possible destination for him.

For Florentino Perez, the deal has had an uncomfortable angle. Rodri, whom the Real Madrid president had admired for a long time, was one of the election cards used by Enrique Riquelme, his rival in the club's presidential polls.

Those who were in favour of signing him quickly became a consensus inside Valdebebas, where coach Jose Mourinho also gave his approval for the move to be completed.

Real Madrid plan to sign Rodri for 45 million euros

The next week will be decisive for Real Madrid, who are aiming to complete two deals they see as strategic.

With Rodri, the attraction is obvious: a deep-lying playmaker of the kind they have missed in recent years. His contract at City runs until 2027, and the value of any final agreement will determine the timing of his transfer.

Initial talk placed the fee above 70 million euros, with part of that figure meant to scare away rivals. The current plan is to close the deal for 45 million euros plus add-ons, on a contract running until 2030 so the cost can be spread over several years.

That operation is separate from the deal for Yan Diomande. Real are closing in on the Leipzig star for 120 million euros, the signing Florentino promised during his election campaign.

Roc Nation are driving Madrid's most high-profile moves in the market, where the club have set the pace in several deals despite competition from clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain.

The French club had also shown interest in Rodri, who is currently on his summer break and considering his future.

Real Madrid race against time to seal Rodri deal

Real Madrid are working to finish the deal before Rodri returns for pre-season with Manchester City.

Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola as City manager, said: "He will undergo surgery on Monday, and he needs a break. He needs rest and recovery, and after that he will return to us."

Rodri's future should be decided in the coming days. Both clubs have done business before, including the transfer of Brahim Diaz.

The midfielder had left the Spanish league in 2019 for the Premier League.

Set to play a key role in Mourinho's new project, the Spaniard would hand Real Madrid a major blow with his signing. Madrid changed their view on him after a World Cup that removed every doubt over his age and his injury record.

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