Barcelona raise Rodri bid to £51m as Maresca insists City midfielder will return for Community Shield

Barcelona have increased their bid for Manchester City midfielder Rodri to £51.4 million after their initial £38.5 million offer was rejected, according to Sky Sports News.

City want upwards of £60 million for the 30-year-old Spain World Cup-winning captain, who has entered the final year of his contract. Sources in Spain believe Rodri prefers a move to Barcelona over Real Madrid, who had indicated they would pay £50 million.

Sky Sports News understands City do not want to sell and want Rodri to sign a new deal. However, if Rodri asks to leave, they would not stand in his way.

What has Maresca said?

Speaking after City's 3-1 pre-season win over Atletico Madrid in Seoul on Sunday, Enzo Maresca said he expected Rodri to report for training on August 14, ahead of the Community Shield against Arsenal.

"Yes, at the moment he will be in Manchester," Maresca said. "There is no update. On August 14 he will be back."

What about a replacement?

Sky in Italy have reported that Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez would be Maresca's "dream" signing if Rodri leaves. Sky Sports News had previously reported Fernandez was not an option City were looking at, but the situation could change if Rodri moves to Barcelona. City may look to bring in two players as replacements.

Rico Lewis appeared to hint at a departure, telling reporters: "People leave, people stay."

How did City play in Seoul?

Omar Marmoush scored twice in the second half after being set up by Antoine Semenyo both times. Rayan Ait Nouri added a third. Maresca praised Semenyo's performance and his players for being "open-minded" to new ideas.

Sky Sports analyst Peter Smith noted that Maresca's tactical system is taking shape: the priority is getting the ball to the wingers, with full-backs sitting deeper than under Guardiola, creating space for Semenyo and Savinho to attack. The pair recorded 10 take-ons between them.

What about Trafford?

James Trafford completed his £40 million move to Leeds in a club-record deal. The 23-year-old wrote on Instagram: "It was my dream to play for the first team from when I moved away from home at 12, and it makes me so proud to have achieved that last season."