Real Madrid hit stumbling block in pursuit of Manchester City superstar: Reports 

Real Madrid are reportedly are believed to be keen on signing Manchester City midfielder Rodri. However, they are unlikely to afford a deal for the Spaniard, who is one of the favorites to win the Ballon d'Or in 2024.

As claimed by journalist Sam Lee via City Zone on X (formerly Twitter), Manchester City are looking to tie their star midfielder down with a new deal. With Rodri's current deal expiring in June 2027, the Cityzens are pushing hard for a renewal as early as possible.

Lee has also claimed that Real Madrid are huge admirers of the 28-year-old who formerly played for their local rivals Atletico Madrid. However, they reportedly understand that they can afford neither the fee the Cityzens would demand nor the wages they can offer.

Rodri is widely regarded as the finest defensive midfielder in world football at the moment and is pivotal in Pep Guardiola's system. He joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 in a deal worth £62.6 million and has won 11 trophies during his time at the Etihad.

Capped 57 times for Spain, Rodri played a key role in helping La Roja win the UEFA European Championship in 2024. He has made 258 appearances for the Sky Blues till date having contributed with 26 goals and 30 assists.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are short of neither quality nor depth in the middle of the park and have a pretty young core in the department. Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham, and veteran superstar Luka Modric are all on their books.

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Real Madrid and Manchester City handed boost in pursuit of coveted German youngster: Reports

Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala has reportedly a long list of suitors amidst speculation about his future at the Allianz Arena. Bayern director Max Eberl has shared the latest update on the negotiations with Musiala's representatives.

Eberl has admitted that the Bavarian giants are finding it difficult to negotiate with their crown jewel's agents. Musiala's current deal with the Bundesliga giants expires in June 2026 putting Bayern Munich in a tight corner.

As per reports, Musiala wants wages around £300,000 per week to renew his deal at the Allianz Arena. While discussing the contract talks, Max Eberl told Sport1:

"It’s difficult, but not impossible – as Jamal knows what he has at Bayern Munich. He grew up here and has brought himself to this level. Talks are intensifying. We are extremely ambitious and he knows that he wants to win titles."

Musiala came through Chelsea's youth ranks before joining Bayern Munich in 2019 and has not looked back since. The attacking midfielder has made 167 appearances for the German giants so far having contributed with 45 goals and 32 assists.

The 21-year-old has won nine trophies during his time at Bayern Munich including four Bundesliga titles. He has already been capped 36 times for Germany having contributed with six goals and eight assists. The likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Manchester United are all reportedly huge admirers of Musiala.