(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media, Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Sat 16 August 2025 8:00, UK

Man City are concerned that Rodri could have his head turned as Real Madrid have been publicly open with their interest in the midfielder.

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That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that City are extremely reluctant to lose the 29-year-old and will not entertain offers.

As a result, they are working behind the scenes to offer him a new contract in an attempt to persuade him to commit his long-term future to the club.

Football Insider revealed on 12 August that Man City are not prepared to sell Rodri and are in talks to extend his deal beyond the current 2027 expiry date.

Man City have no plans to let Rodri leave this summer.

(Credit: Imago)

Pep Guardiola still values the midfielder as one of the most important players in his squad after their difficulties during his spell on the sidelines last season.

Meanwhile, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 8 August that City are doing everything to agree Rodri’s contract extension.

Brown told Football Insider in May that Man City are pushing to agree terms with Rodri with talks expected to be a formality as he is also keen to stay in Manchester.

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The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that they are prepared to step up their efforts amid concerns about Real Madrid’s interest.

“City could end up in a difficult position with Rodri,” he told Football Insider.

“I’ve said it before, but when Real Madrid come calling, it’s hard for players to say no.

“The best players at some of the biggest clubs will get their heads turned by Madrid, we saw it happen with Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool.

“So for City, of course they’ll be concerned about the interest in Rodri.

“Their interest has been made public for a reason, and it’s the way Real Madrid like to do things, if they can unsettle him it makes the move easier.

Pep Guardiola is keen to keep Rodri at Man City.

(Credit: Imago)

“Now, I don’t know if he will be unsettled because by all accounts he’s happy at City.

“Everybody knows how big a miss he has been for Pep Guardiola this year.

“Having got him back fit, with two years to go on his contract, they’ve got no intention of letting him go this year or any time soon.

“They’re working hard to get him a new contract, to push aside any of the speculation.

“If he commits his future to Manchester City, that’s going to be a huge boost for them.”

As preparations are being put in place to keep Rodri at the club, Guardiola remains keen to cut players from his squad, including England Under-21s star James McAtee.

Brown told Football Insider on 12 August that Nottingham Forest are pushing to sign McAtee and are now “close” to reaching an agreement with City.

Man City are prepared to cash in on James McAtee.

(Credit: Imago)

Football Insider revealed on 3 August that Man City want £35million to sell McAtee amid growing interest in his signature at this stage of the window.

Forest, meanwhile, value him at closer to £20million and are confident that they can reach an agreement which works for both clubs in it’s structure.

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