La Liga giants Real Madrid are remaining patient with regards to a potential transfer approach for Manchester City's midfield superstar Rodri, according to reports.
The Spanish international is currently ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing season through damage to his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus that required surgery in Spain and a lengthy recovery period.
The absence will leave Manchester City with a major dilemma and decisions to be made over the future of their tactical system as they hope to remain challengers for the game's very biggest honours.
Whilst City retain an intention to negotiate a new contract with the 28-year-old in order to recognise his remarkable achievements and important to Pep Guardiola's operation over the last few seasons, clubs are watching his situation quietly in the background.
The latest report ties Rodri with transfer interest from his home country and home city of Madrid, but not a return to Atletico - who sold the player to Manchester City during the summer market of 2019.
According to the information of GIVEMESPORT, Manchester City could face a battle to keep Rodri, with Real Madrid showing an interest in the midfielder despite Etihad Stadium officials still willing to offer the midfielder a new contract.
It is reaffirmed that those within the Madrid club are still waiting to discover whether Rodri would ever become available for transfer from Manchester City or not, as they would 'love' the chance to sign him if he did appear somewhat available.
Interest in Rodri is part of Real Madrid's search for future candidates to bolster their midfield, with the likes of Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi also reportedly amongst potential options to assess in coming markets.
Zubimendi is one name that Manchester City could consider during the upcoming January transfer window, as club officials decide whether the absence of Rodri requires recruitment in the centre of the park.
The last few games and opening weeks in the absence of Rodri has seen Pep Guardiola trial a number of solutions in defensive midfield, with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic accompanied by Rico Lewis and Manuel Akanji stepping forward out of defence.
Other names linked with tenuous transfer interest from the Etihad Stadium include Torino and Inter's Italy international stars, Samuele Ricci and Nicolo Barella. However, both players would likely command enormous transfer fees in the middle of a season.