Manchester City delay talks for midfield ace's sale to Real Madrid as Barcelona enter the picture

Manchester City have paused negotiations with Real Madrid over Rodri as Barcelona join the race for the Spanish midfielder. The Premier League champions have slowed talks, not out of a breakup but to assess interest from other clubs, according to Fabrizio Romano. Rodri, 30, is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and City are looking to protect their leverage and maximise any transfer fee if a sale becomes likely. Real Madrid still appear calm because Rodri’s preference remains to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Barcelona’s interest could matter only if Rodri’s stance changes.