Real Madrid step up Rodri interest - Sunday's gossip

Real Madrid have intensified their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, according to Teamtalk, with the 29-year-old Spain international now entering the final 18 months of his contract at the Etihad.

The La Liga giants are monitoring the situation closely as they weigh up a potential approach for the holding midfielder, whose deal is due to expire in the summer of 2026. Rodri’s contractual status has alerted the Bernabéu hierarchy, who view the experienced international as a prime target to reinforce their engine room.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Arsenal are exploring a free-transfer swoop for Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka. The Mirror reports that the Gunners attempted to secure the 31-year-old Germany midfielder during the January window and remain keen ahead of the summer, when Goretzka could be available without a fee.

Juventus, meanwhile, have held no discussions with striker Dusan Vlahovic since last summer, Foot Mercato reveals. The 26-year-old Serbia forward’s contract runs out in June, placing him on the radar of Chelsea, Tottenham, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Roma.

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has been mentioned as a possible successor at Manchester United, but the Spaniard deems the Old Trafford project unsuitable and is poised to extend his stay in the French capital, the Mirror adds.

Manchester United and Newcastle have joined a host of clubs monitoring Brentford’s 21-year-old Italy Under-21 right-back Michael Kayode, Teamtalk notes, while Inter Milan are ready to hand manager Cristian Chivu a one-year extension and salary increase through 2028, per Corriere dello Sport.

At Roma, Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini will need to accept reduced wages to remain in the capital beyond the summer, Gazzetta dello Sport reports. Both the 32-year-old Argentina forward and 29-year-old Italy midfielder are out of contract in June.

Newcastle could face a fight to keep Sandro Tonali, 25, if they miss out on Champions League qualification, according to Football Insider. The Magpies are already scouring the market for midfield reinforcements, with Lyon’s 23-year-old Englishman Tyler Morton—formerly of Liverpool—on their shortlist alongside Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.

Finally, Barcelona have resolved to convert Marcus Rashford’s loan from Manchester United into a permanent arrangement, Fichajes states, signalling a long-term commitment to the 28-year-old England forward.