Liverpool could receive huge Man City bonus as Real Madrid set Rodri in its sights

Liverpool could be set for a boost this coming summer if reports of Real Madrid's interest in Manchester City midfielder Rodri are to be believed.

The Spaniard is undoubtedly the best holding midfielder in the world, and has been a major part in Man City's success under Pep Guardiola. Rodri scored the only goal of the game in its 2023 Champions League final win over Inter Milan, and will become a five-time Premier League title winner if he helps City to domestic glory this term.

However, it has been reported Real Madrid is interested in Rodri, with City keen for the Spanish international to ink a new deal so as to ward off interest from Los Blancos. The Athletic report City want Rodri to sign a new contract as soon as possible, which would put him on earnings close to that of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.

The 28-year-old currently has three years left on current deal. But with Rodri currently at the top of his game, City wants to avoid a situation that could see the Spaniard handed more negotiating leverage - unlike how Liverpool has dealt with the contracts of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

It's added City always expected Rodri to be a target for Real Madrid at some point, with Dani Carvajal openly telling his Spanish teammate he should move to the Bernabeu if Los Blancos came calling. The only stumbling block, it seems, is around Rodri's wages and if Real can afford them.

Just last week, Madrid-based newspaper AS ran a headline which said: "Rodrigo 2025". While it was played down by Real Madrid officials, it would not be the first time Spanish press has begun a campaign to sign a player.

However, while a tough deal for Real Madrid to pull off, it would be interested in signing the midfielder if an opportunity to do so presented itself. And should Rodri leave the Etihad, it would be a bitter blow to City's Premier League dynasty - which would boost Liverpool as a result.

Rodri would walk into any team in the world with plenty of elite European sides looking for their own version of the Spanish midfielder. Liverpool thought it had their long-term holding midfield option sown up when they chased Martin Zubimendi this summer, only for him to opt to stay with Real Sociedad.

Liverpool.com says: "If Rodri leaves City, they that will be a huge blow to Pep Guardiola's side. However, right now, it seems unlikely to happen, especially with him having three years left on his deal at the Etihad."