Manchester City have turned down an initial bid from Barcelona for Rodri, with the Premier League club considering the offer well below their valuation of the World Cup-winning Spain international.
Barcelona’s proposal, understood to be worth around £40 million, was swiftly rejected as Man City continue to hold out for a fee in excess of £60m for the 30-year-old midfielder, who has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri remains one of the world’s leading holding midfielders and Man City are keen to avoid losing such an influential player unless their valuation is met.
‘Don’t sell’ says Carragher
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the club should resist any temptation to sell.
“For me, I’d see those two as a pair [Rodri and Anderson],” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“I see Elliot Anderson as almost the replacement for Bernardo Silva, who’s gone to Real Madrid.
“So, I think that’d be a big hole. It’d be really difficult to fill.
“When Liverpool won the title under Arne Slot, Rodri got an injury very early on, which helped Liverpool and was to the detriment of Manchester City.
“So if I was Manchester City, I’d be keeping him and letting him go on a free,” Carragher continued.
“Man City paid £60m for him. If they’re getting £40m back now, what can they do with that type of money? Not a lot, really. So, I’d rather keep him.”
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Fernandez links
As speculation over Rodri’s future continues, attention has also turned to who could replace the Spaniard should a transfer eventually materialise.
According to Sky in Italy, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is regarded as Man City head coach Enzo Maresca’s “dream” signing.
However, Sky Sports News reported earlier in the transfer window that Fernandez was not under consideration, with Man City’s priority firmly centred on retaining Rodri.
Fernandez remains under contract at Chelsea until 2032 and is valued by the Blues at around £120m, meaning any potential move would represent a significant investment should Man City ultimately decide they need to replace Rodri.
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SportJustSport writers 
Michael Davey