Manchester City have knocked back Barcelona's opening bid of £38.5m for Rodri, according to BBC News, though the club remain open to a sale — provided any suitor stumps up more than £60m.
The Spanish midfielder, now 30, has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad, a factor likely emboldening Barcelona to test City's resolve with a cut-price approach. City, however, appear determined not to let a player of Rodri's stature leave on the cheap, even with his deal running down.
BBC News notes there are "no guarantees" over how the situation will unfold, leaving the door ajar for further negotiation between the two clubs. Whether Barcelona return with an improved offer, or City manage to tie Rodri down to fresh terms, remains to be seen. For now, the Ballon d'Or winner's future hangs in the balance as one of European football's most closely watched transfer sagas of the summer continues to simmer.