Rodrygo transfer intrigue grows after Real Madrid decision and Xabi Alonso comment as Man City wait

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Manchester City transfer news as speculation continues around the future of Real Madrid star Rodrygo

Rodrygo was an unused sub as Real Madrid beat Osasuna in their La Liga opener

Real Madrid star Rodrygo was left on the bench as the Spanish side opened their La Liga season on Tuesday night, prompting fresh speculation over his future.

The Brazil star has seemingly fallen out of favour under new Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, and former Manchester City youngster Brahim Diaz was preferred in the 1-0 win over Osasuna.

Rodrygo has been linked with a move to City should the Blues sell Savinho, who has attracted interest from Tottenham. That transfer has stalled somewhat amid reports that the City hierarchy have blocked any exit for the 21-year-old, who only arrived at the Etihad a year ago.

But there remains 10 days of the transfer window remaining with twists and turns almost certain, and with City hosting Tottenham this weekend in the Premier League, there was unlikely to be any movement before that contest anyway.

For Rodrygo, who could cost upwards of £85million, the future remains uncertain. City are long-term admirers of a player who has constantly been a thorn in their side in Champions League meetings between the two clubs, while Arsenal have also been credited with an interest.

For his part the 24-year-old is understood not to have asked to leave Madrid while Alonso reaffirmed his desire to keep the Brazilian after Tuesday's win.

He said: “These are match decisions. The way the match was going, we needed another profile. There have been no decisions for the future.

“Nothing is going on. The Club World Cup was a different context because of the competition it was. Today it's just one game, we can leave the rest behind.

“What counts is this season and of course I'm counting on Rodrygo. It's just one game, we shouldn't read too far into the future.

“If he gets those minutes in three months' time, I'll be able to answer you with more certainty. Today it was just the circumstances of the game and my decisions.”

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