Manchester City have found their replacement for Rodri, with a €60 million (£50m/$62m) deal being agreed for Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has been a huge miss for City this season during his injury-enforced absence. Positive progress is being made in his recovery from knee ligament damage, with the Spain international set to be named in City’s squad for Champions League knockout stages.
Rodri is, however, about to be joined at the Etihad Stadium by a fellow countryman who can operate in the same holding role. Nico, who is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy system, is ready to seal a deadline day move to England.
Fabrizio Romano reports that City have triggered the release clause in Nico’s contract at Porto. He has been cleared to undergo a medical and sign a contract with the reigning Premier League champions, following 18 productive months in Portugal.
Spain Under-21 international Nico will become the latest big-money addition at the Etihad Stadium. Despite having 115 Financial Fair Play charges hanging over their head, City have splashed out on Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov during the winter transfer window
