Manchester City make formal offer for Atletico Madrid star

According to Spanish outlet AS, Manchester City have made a formal bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri.

The 22-year-old only made his return to Atleti from Villarreal last summer but after a second impressive season running City are now ready to make a substantial offer for the youngster.

Hailed as the heir to Sergio Busquets’ throne for the national side having broken into the squad under Luis Enrique, Rodri is believed to nearing the exit door in what looks likely to be a summer of upheaval in Madrid.

The Premier League champions aren’t the only European powerhouse interested in his services, however, and with growing scrutiny on their efforts to fall in line with financial fair play, stumping up the midfielder’s €70m buyout clause would be a brazen move.

Diego Simeone has made it known that he does not feel Rodri is irreplaceable, further fuelling the prospect of a move, and finding a replacement for the ageing Fernandinho is believed to be City’s top priority this summer.

Only Antoine Griezmann - who is also set for the Atleti departure lounge - has earned a higher league rating for the club than Rodri this season (7.23), who shares the lead in LaLiga for tackles per game (3.1) and boasts a 91 per cent pass accuracy.