Barcelona are preparing a revised bid for Manchester City midfielder Rodri as they seek a compromise over the player's £68 million valuation. Their initial offer of £38 million plus add-ons was dismissed as 'derisory', but the Spanish champions are drafting an improved bid to bridge the valuation gap.
The 30-year-old World Cup winner has told Manchester City that he wants to join Barcelona. Real Madrid also courted Rodri, but they were 'respectfully informed' that they were no longer his priority, as his preference is to link up with Barcelona coach Hansi Flick at Camp Nou.
Barcelona agreed yesterday to send captain Ronald Araujo to Liverpool on a season-long loan with an option to buy for £47 million. The club are willing to offload several other players to re-invest funds into upgrading their squad.
Spain World Cup hero Ferran Torres is in talks to join Paris St Germain. Midfielder Marc Casado and winger Roony Bardghji were also left out of the Barcelona squad that travelled to Udine in Italy yesterday for a pre-season tournament.
Liverpool loan move and transfer targets
Liverpool expect 27-year-old Uruguay international Araujo to undergo a medical today ahead of completing formalities on his season-long loan. Araujo is comfortable playing at centre back and right-back, providing cover for Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola while Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni recover from injuries.
Liverpool are also continuing discussions with Paris St Germain over a double deal for wingers. The negotiations involve Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye.
Barcelona want to add a striker and a centre back as well, placing Tottenham defender Cristian Romero on their shortlist. The 28-year-old Argentine will cost around £35 million.
Romero has been discussing moves to Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid. Atletico are considered favourites for his signature, but a deal has still to be agreed with Spurs, and Atletico want to reach an agreement before Barcelona attempt to step in.
