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Man City target Rodri tells Atletico Madrid ‘give me space’

Manchester City target Rodri has told Atletico Madrid to give him ‘space’ as he makes a decision on his future at the club.

The Spain international has been strongly linked with a move to Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions, with Man City seeking a long-term replacement in midfield for Fernandinho.

The 22-year-old rejoined Atletico last summer in a €20m deal from Villareal, having previously spent time in the club’s youth academy, and has fuelled speculation he could leave Diego Simeone’s side by admitting he can not ‘guarantee’ his future.

“I asked the club for peace of mind to give me space,” Rodri told Deportes Cuatro.

“It would be hypocritical to say that I can guarantee anything.

“The only thing I can say is that I have a contract with Atletico Madrid, I have a clause, I have some conditions and today I am happy here.

“I cannot say anything else because I do not know what’s going to happen.”

It has been claimed that Manchester City are willing to pay Rodri’s €70 million release clause to secure his signature.