Manchester City 'will pay a release clause of €70million [£60m]' for Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri this summer though the player is happy at the club, according to reports.
Pep Guardiola's side are expected to splash the cash on new reinforcements in the transfer window with defensive midfield being a particular area in need of strengthening.
Fernandinho has had an incredible season but has missed 10 games - and counting - through injury and as he is 33-years-old City can't continue to rely on him the amount they do.
Ilkay Gundogan has deputised admirably in the position but he is much more of a ball playing midfielder than a tough tackling defensive one.
City have been linked with several names to come in as a competitor to Fernandinho - including West Ham United's Declan Rice, Lyon's Tanguy Ndombele and another Atletico midfielder, Saul Niguez - but Rodri is a name that continues to crop up.
Spanish publication AS report that City will pay the 'quite affordable' release clause for the Spaniard as he 'is a very attractive player because of his youth and quality.'
However, the 22-year-old has reportedly told Atleti that he is happy in the Spanish capital and 'he wants to continue at Atlético, it is good here and that his idea is to continue.'
Though, with City's reported interest and 'other teams willing' to pay the release clause as well 'right now no one can ensure that next year' Rodri will remain at the club.
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Rodri's contract runs until June 2023.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Otamendi reportedly wants to leave City at the end of the season with several clubs interested in his services, according to reports.
Otamendi signed for City from Valencia in 2015 and has gone on to be a big player for the club in the heart of defence, playing a starring role in last season's 100 point title win.
Yet he has fallen out of favour this season, only making 17 Premier League appearances, as he's struggled for a place due to competition from Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Vincent Kompany.
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Argentine Marca, via the Daily Star, report that the 31-year-old 'wants out of City as he is looking for more first-team game time, so that he retains his place in the Argentinian national team.'
It's claimed that Premier League sides West Ham and Wolves are 'potential suitors' and there's an unlikely chance he could sign for River Plate, the club he has supported 'since he was a child.'
Otamendi's contract doesn't expire until the summer of 2022.
