Rodri transfer to Real Madrid backed inside club as Florentino Pérez blocks Manchester City move

Rodri's future at Manchester City remains unresolved despite growing calls for Real Madrid to make a move for the Spain international.

The midfielder has just played a pivotal role in Spain's World Cup triumph and continues to be linked with a return to his homeland, while Manchester City remain eager to secure him on a new long-term contract.

Rodri's current deal at the Etihad Stadium runs until 2027, but negotiations over an extension have yet to produce an agreement.

Manchester City have already tabled a new contract, although the midfielder has not yet committed his future to the Premier League champions.

The uncertainty has fuelled ongoing speculation that Real Madrid could attempt to lure one of the world's best midfielders back to Spain.

Earlier this year, Rodri refused to dismiss the possibility of a future move.

"No, no. I'm not going to answer that. It's a time to think about what we have now, with my team, about my season, which is quite a lot, and then we'll see."

Reports in Spain claim there is increasing support within the Real Madrid fanbase for the club to sign Rodri following his impressive World Cup performances.

The admiration is not limited to supporters.

A number of figures inside the club, including members of the dressing room, are also believed to favour bringing the Manchester City midfielder to the Santiago Bernabéu.

The reports add that Rodri would welcome the opportunity to join Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants aware of his interest.

Despite the growing backing for a deal, Real Madrid's hierarchy have yet to make a move.

Club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly the main figure standing in the way of any attempt to sign the 30-year-old.

One factor said to have complicated matters is that Pérez's recent presidential rival, Enrique Riquelme, publicly endorsed Rodri as the ideal signing for Real Madrid during the election campaign.

Riquelme said:

"I love that player, he's a fantastic player and he's the type of player Real Madrid should have."

"Rodri is the type of player who should be playing for Real Madrid."

According to reports, that public backing has not helped Rodri's chances of becoming a priority target under Pérez's leadership.

Manchester City will continue pushing for Rodri to sign a new contract, while Real Madrid's internal debate over the midfielder's future is likely to continue.

Unless Pérez changes his position, the Spanish giants appear unlikely to formalise their interest despite widespread support for the move elsewhere within the club.

Should Real Madrid make Rodri their priority signing despite Manchester City's determination to keep him?