Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s improved £51m offer for Rodri, while Chelsea have given interested clubs until 5pm on Friday to submit a £120m bid for Enzo Fernández. The developments could trigger a major midfield reshuffle, with City viewing Fernández as Rodri’s replacement if the Spain international joins Barcelona.

City reportedly value Rodri, 30, at £60m-£65m, and believe his preference for Barcelona makes a move increasingly likely. Chelsea’s 25-year-old captain Fernández, a 2022 World Cup winner, would provide City with experience and leadership; City may also sell Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah for about €60m to help fund transfers.