Real Madrid lead race for Man City megastar despite PSG, Barcelona entry – report

Real Madrid lead race for Man City megastar despite PSG, Barcelona entry – report The high-stakes battle to sign Manchester City midfield orchestrator Rodri has escalated into a frantic three-way continental tug-of-war, with Real Madrid being joined by fierce rivals Barcelona and French champions PSG. Indeed, as reported by journalist Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport , Real Madrid maintain a definitive advantage in the race, having already secured a total agreement on contract terms with the 30-year-old. But Barcelona and PSG have both initiated dramatic, late manoeuvres to hijack the blockbuster operation. PSG enquire over transfer conditions As per the update, PSG have officially contacted Manchester City to formally inquire about the financial conditions required to sanction a transfer as they are considering launching a lucrative counter-bid. PSG make enquiry for Rodri. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images) The Parisian hierarchy had originally not planned to recruit a high-profile central midfielder during the current summer window, choosing instead to focus their resources elsewhere. However, the unique contractual vulnerability of the newly crowned FIFA World Cup winner has completely altered their strategy. With Rodri having entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, PSG view the Golden Ball recipient as a genuine, once-in-a-career market opportunity that they cannot afford to ignore. Barcelona distract Madrid’s progress Simultaneously, Barcelona are refusing to stand idly by while their domestic rivals assemble a midfield superpower. The Blaugrana sporting department has internally registered its desire to attract the Spain international to Catalonia. Barcelona also interested (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) While their priority currently lies in reinforcing the No. 9 position, Barcelona are quietly assessing whether they can swoop in with a late move for the World Cup winner. Real Madrid remain in pole position Despite the sudden interference from Paris and Barcelona, Real Madrid remain firmly in the driving seat of this multi-million-pound transfer saga. Having already convinced the player of a return to Madrid, Florentino Perez & co. are leading the race. Manchester City find themselves increasingly powerless to stop an exit, as Rodri’s persistent refusal to sign an extension forces them to evaluate these incoming proposals. Whether the entry of PSG and Barcelona into the picture changes things or if the midfielder remains steadfast in his desire to return to Madrid remains to be seen.