Sticking to his demand: Manchester City stun Barcelona for the third time
The Spanish star prefers a move to Barcelona
Barcelona and Manchester City remain locked in talks over Rodri, with the English club rejecting a third bid from the Blaugrana for the Spanish midfielder. City are standing firm on their asking price of 80 million euros, according to French network "Radio Monte Carlo".
Talks between the two clubs opened more than a week ago, after Rodri picked Barcelona as his preferred destination ahead of Real Madrid.
Read also
A full-back with a winger's spirit: Real Madrid sign Rayo Vallecano gem
Barcelona reap tens of millions from the transfer market: saving it for three targets
City had initially weighed up renewing Rodri's contract, but they ultimately chose to respect the player's wish. They made one thing clear, though: they would not make his departure easy. The English club set a price of 80 million euros and refused to sell for anything less.
Barcelona kicked things off with a first offer worth around 50 million euros. City knocked it back almost instantly.
Raising the stakes, the Catalan club lodged a second bid of around 70 million euros. City rejected that one too, judging the compensation still well short of their demands.
Undeterred by the first two knockbacks, Barcelona returned with a third offer in the hope of sealing the deal. City rejected it again, according to the French network.
The decision now rests with the La Liga champions. They will have to edge closer to the 80 million euros City want if they are to close a deal that looks every bit as complicated as their negotiations over Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
