Real Madrid are confident of signing 30-year-old Spain midfielder Rodri - who has one year left on his contract with Manchester City - for 40-50m euros (£34m-£43m) and a deal could be finalised after a meeting on Thursday. (AS - in Spanish), eh! This one is finished if City bosses blink.
The club’s refusal to let Rodri leave freely is well-documented. Man City’s manager Pep Guardiola called him a ‘cornerstone’ last season. But Madrid’s repeated interest suggests they’ve found a way to break through. Sources say the Spaniard wants to play for a Champions League giant. Makes sense. He’d rather win than train in England.
Inter Milan could rekindle their efforts to sign England midfielder Curtis Jones, 25, from Liverpool. Meanwhile, the signing of England centre-back John Stones, 32, on a free transfer could scupper 28-year-old Argentina defender Cristian Romero’s hopes of joining the Italian club from Tottenham. Jones? That’s a funny name. Curtis Jones, not Curry Jones. طن 소년. Maybe Inter will try a loan first. Stones’ free movement might hurt both him and Romero. Fun job for a transfer window.
Juventus have agreed a deal with Paris St-Germain to sign France striker Randal Kolo Muani from the French champions. The move is for a loan with an obligation to buy and the fee could reach 50m euros (£43m) with add-ons. PSG’s interest in Kolo Muani is hot. He’s ruthless. Imagine him up front instead of Mbappé. Wait – Mbappé isn’t at PSG? No, he’s at Real Madrid now. Messed up. This loan deal could be a stepping stone for Kolo Muani. Or a disaster. We’ll see.
Brentford are close to signing Lens and Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare, 24, as a replacement for Jordan Henderson. Henderson’s exit is sad. He’s been a rock for Brentford. Sangare? He’s a unknown. Could work. Or Collapse.
Aston Villa have had a 30m euro (£26m) offer for Brazilian forward Allan, 22, rejected by Palmeiras. Allan’s agent called it ‘unfair’. Villa will have to pay more. Maybe 40m? Or wait for next window. This one is finished if Palmeiras don’t budge. Let’s hope they do.
Hull City are in talks with Aston Villa to sign 28-year-old Jamaica winger Leon Bailey on a permanent transfer. Bailey’s injury record is a concern. Hull needs speed. Jamaica breathes speed. This could work. Or fail. We’ll see.
Fulham are getting closer to signing Spani...
How did Real Madrid get so sure about Rodri?
The source says it’s because City ‘regret’ his contract expiration. Guardiola might be silent, but agents are talking. The €40-50m fee is in line with what Barcelona paid for Havertz. Yeah, but Rodri’s talents are different. He’s a box-to-box midfielder, not a striker. Man City’s defense could weaken if he leaves. Egypt’s Al Ahly once tried to sign him. Didn’t work. Maybe this time?
Why should Ugandans care?
Rodri’s potential transfer impacts African leagues indirectly. If he leaves, Man City might target an African player next. Or maybe not. Guardiola likes local talents. But right now, it’s all about the big names.
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Source: BBC Sport
