Real Madrid prepare Rodri bid after Mourinho wins Pérez approval

Real Madrid are preparing to launch a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri after club president Florentino Pérez reportedly softened his stance on signing the Spain international.

According to Marca, the European champions are now planning to make a formal approach for the 30-year-old after José Mourinho identified the midfielder as his priority target to strengthen the heart of his squad.

Rodri has entered the final stages of his current contract, with Manchester City still attempting to secure him to a new long-term deal.

Mourinho has made signing a central midfielder one of his priorities this summer, having missed out on several alternative targets.

Marca reports the Real Madrid manager has personally championed a move for Rodri, highlighting the midfielder's leadership, tactical intelligence, composure in possession and ability to control matches.

Sporting director Enrique Riquelme is also said to have presented a detailed report explaining why Rodri should become Real Madrid's next marquee signing.

That presentation has reportedly convinced Florentino Pérez, who had previously been reluctant to pursue the Manchester City star.

Real Madrid are currently focused on completing the signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.

Once that deal is finalised, attention is expected to turn immediately towards Rodri, with the Spanish giants preparing their first official offer to Manchester City.

The midfielder's outstanding FIFA World Cup campaign, where he won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, has further strengthened Real Madrid's belief that he remains one of the world's elite midfielders.

Although Manchester City remain hopeful of extending Rodri's contract, negotiations have yet to produce an agreement.

The Spain international has not accepted the club's renewal proposal and has declined to completely dismiss speculation surrounding his future.

Sources close to the situation believe City would be willing to negotiate with Real Madrid should Rodri indicate he wants a new challenge, with a transfer fee in the region of €50-60 million considered sufficient to open discussions.

Manchester City have also confirmed Rodri recently underwent minor back surgery and will begin a short rehabilitation period, although the issue is not expected to affect Real Madrid's interest.

Real Madrid's pursuit of Rodri has gathered significant momentum after Florentino Pérez reportedly gave Mourinho approval to pursue the Manchester City midfielder. Whether City are ultimately prepared to sanction the departure of one of their most influential players may now depend on Rodri's own willingness to commit his long-term future to the Premier League champions.

Real Madrid are expected to complete the signing of Yan Diomande before formally approaching Manchester City for Rodri. The Premier League club's response is likely to depend on both Rodri's contract situation and his desire to remain at the Etihad Stadium.