Fabrizio Romano responds to double Manchester City transfer rumour over midfield duo

Two of Manchester City’s central midfielders have been linked with moves away from the club over the last fortnight, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano now responding.

It is a common theme during an international break for transfer rumours to intensify, and that theme has translated into action at Manchester City, with a Pep Guardiola midfield duo linked with interest from the European game and further afield.

Reports from England suggested that Croatia international Mateo Kovacic was the subject of intense interest from Saudi Pro League’s Al-Nassr, who reportedly made attempts to recruit the 30-year-old on deadline day of the summer window.

This is an interest that is said to have been endorsed by Kovacic’s former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Saudi Arabian club said to be looking into the possibility of making a move in the upcoming January transfer market.

Additionally, Spanish international Rodri is said to be a major target for Real Madrid next summer, despite his importance and happiness at Manchester City, who in turn hold an interest in renewing and improving his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking during the ongoing international break on the latest transfer rumours, market insider Fabrizio Romano has largely shut down the idea of both players concerned leaving Manchester City or entertaining the idea at present.

“What I can say guys is that, no, there’s nothing at this stage regarding Mateo Kovacic moving to the Saudi Pro League. No talks, nothing,” Fabrizio Romano clarified during an update provided to CaughtOffside.

Romano continued, “In January we will see and his future will also depend on how much he will play, but nothing is ongoing now. I don’t know where this is coming from.”

Continuing on the subject of Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or candidate, Rodrigo and links to Real Madrid, Fabrizio Romano explained, “No news either on Rodri now guys, it’s completely quiet. Full focus on City for Rodri.”

Both players will no doubt remain focussed on events on the field and the tasks at hand with Manchester City, as they return to the City Football Academy from Wednesday morning to prepare for the return of Premier League action on Saturday afternoon.

City find themselves in find form thus far in the new campaign, having recorded three wins from three Premier League contests, whilst also claiming silverware in the traditional curtain raiser to the top-flight season by defeating Manchester United in the FA Community Shield.