Real Madrid are tempted to make a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer, according to reports in Spain.

New head coach Xabi Alonso is keen to have someone in the middle of the park who can control the tempo of the game and Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) claim Rodri is seen as the ideal candidate.

Other options have been explored but the La Liga giants are said to be convinced that the Man City star is the only player available who fits the criteria.

Mundo Deportivo report that Real would be willing to pay as much as €100m (£86m) for the 29-year-old.

Rodri has expressed an interest in moving to Madrid

Speaking in an interview after he won the Ballon d’Or, the midfielder was asked whether he would be open to joining Real, and his reply was candid:

“When Real Madrid calls, the best club in history, you have to pay attention. It’s an honour.”

Of course, at the time, Rodri was responding to a hypothetical question. It remains to be seen what his response would actually be if Real actively tried to sign him.

Would Man City seriously consider a sale?

It should be pointed out that Rodri turned 29 last month so he is not getting any younger. Combined with the fact that he has just recovered from a major injury, there would be good reasons for selling if they did receive such a sizeable bid. If the player also made it known that he wanted to move, it’s hard to see the club standing in his way.

Manager Pep Guardiola would, though, have something to say about the matter. Rodri has been an integral part of the club’s success in recent years. Without the midfielder last season, the team failed to function properly and finding a replacement would be tough.

Real have not made an approach for the Spanish international so, at this stage, there is no reason for supporters to worry about a potential departure.

In other news, Man City may let another key player leave for just £13m