Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s initial offer of around £40 million for Spain midfielder Rodri.

A report says City are demanding more than £60 million before they would consider allowing the Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder to leave.

The 30-year-old has under a year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is not expected to sign an extension. Barcelona’s approach follows reports that Spain’s World Cup-winning captain would prefer a switch to the Nou Camp rather than joining rivals Real Madrid.

At the same time, City are believed to be making progress on signing a defensive midfielder of their own. According to Fabrizio Romano, Enzo Maresca’s side are close to finalising an agreement with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The 18-year-old caught the eye with Morocco at the World Cup and is expected to cost around £80 million. Even so, it is understood that City do not see him as a replacement for Rodri.

Elsewhere, another report says City are also looking into a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with Maresca said to be interested in a reunion with the Argentina international.