Kylian Mbappe sends Rodrygo two-word message amid Man City transfer agreement truth

Manchester City are the latest club credited with an interest in Rodrygo this summer transfer window, with Real Madrid reportedly open to the Brazil international leaving

Rodrygo is a player Manchester City are credited with an interest in(Image: Getty Images)

Kylian Mbappe has called Rodrygo his 'cousin' after they combined to score for Real Madrid in their only pre-season friendly of the summer.

Rodrygo replaced Vinicius Junior minutes after Mbappe scored his second and Madrid's third goal against WSG Tirol. Then, with nine minutes of the match remaining, the pair passed their way through their Austrian opponents.

Despite being on a hat-trick, the France captain teed up his teammate to make it 4-0 rather than going alone. They combined for seven goals last season - Mbappe only managed more with Vinicius (10) - and have started this campaign with another.

"Mi primo (My cousin)," Mbappe captioned a post on his Instagram story featuring a photo of them embracing while celebrating that fourth goal. Rodrygo added that post to his story with the caption "Gracias primo," which translates to "thanks, cousin".

A day before that friendly, the journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Manchester City have made contact about the Brazil international. He claims Real Madrid remain open to moving on Rodrygo during this summer transfer window for around £86million but are yet to agree terms with any potential suitors.

Jack Grealish has already left City on a season-long loan to Everton, and James McAtee has agreed personal terms with Nottingham Forest. However, any move for Rodrygo appears contingent on the club selling Savinho amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Talks are ongoing with Spurs over the winger, but there is not yet any agreement. City do not want to sell, although they would not stand in the player's way for a fee of over £50million.

Rodrygo hypothetically could replace Savinho. City, though, would then have to move on yet another first-team player to reduce their number of non-homegrown players below the maximum that UEFA allowa clubs to register in their Champions League squads.

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