Manchester City are now preparing a £52m opening offer for a "complete" midfielder, with manager Pep Guardiola personally keen.
Man City keen to sign new midfielder amid Rodri woes
After missing the vast majority of the 2024-25 campaign due to an ACL injury, Rodri has continued to struggle to get back to full fitness this season, with the Spaniard missing the recent 2-0 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League.
Guardiola has also confirmed the central midfielder is expected to miss this weekend's Premier League fixture, saying: "Aston Villa I don’t think so either. It’s not long but it’s muscular.
"We have to be careful. We tried many times to prevent another injury but we have not been able to do that so we will see."
Last month, it emerged the Blues are now starting to look at long-term replacements for the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, with Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlovic on the shortlist, having established himself as an important player for Vincent Kompany's side.
However, a midfielder with a little more experience is also in Manchester City's sights, according to a report from Spain, which reveals they are now preparing an opening offer of €60m (£52m) for Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand.
morten-hjulmand-sporting
Pep is personally keen on signing Hjulmand, having identified him as an ideal fit in City's system, while the manager also values his versatility, with the Denmark international capable of operating in both defensive and supporting midfield roles.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest in the midfielder, however, having submitted enquiries of their own, so the Blues may be forced to battle it out for his signature.
"Unbelievable" Hjulmand could be perfect for Pep
It is a given that any midfielder playing in a Pep system must be assured in possession of the ball, and the Sporting maestro fits the bill, as displayed by his performance across some key metrics over the past year.
Statistic Average per 90 (past year)
Passes attempted 62.70 (88th percentile)
Pass completion % 90% (95th percentile)
Progressive passes 6.51 (84th percentile)
Scout Ben Mattinson has insisted the Dane is a well-rounded midfielder, describing him as "complete", while also praising the former Lecce man for his tenacity, anticipation and ball-striking abilities.
CBS' Marco Messina also believes the Sporting midfielder is destined to play at the top level, having waxed lyrical about him earlier this season.
All being well, Rodri will be able to put his injuries in the rear-view mirror, but given that he continues to have fitness issues, it may be wise to bring in a new midfielder, and Hjulmand has earned a move to a top club.