ACCORDING to Spanish newspaper Superdeporte, Spanish international Rodrigo was close to a summer move to the Manchester City but the £31m bid was rejected by Valencia.

The former Bolton Wanderers loanee, who scored his first goal for Spain in their 3-0 win against Albania on Friday, has been linked to both Arsenal and Liverpool, but City were reportedly the closest club with their summer attempt.

Despite City manager Pep Guardiola wanting to add the striker amongst his ranks, the Valencian club managed to keep off interest for their Brazilian-born player.

Valencia manager Marcelino was said to be the main reason for the transfer not going through as he desperately wanted the club to keep Rodrigo.

Pep Guardiola’s side have been in inspiring form at the start of the season being joint leaders with neighbours Manchester United with 19 points after seven games.

Even without the acquisition of the Spaniard, City have still managed to score 22 goals so far, the most in the Premier League this season.

The Citizen’s main attackers, Sergio Agüero and Gabriel Jesus, have netted seven and five goals respectively in all competitions, but the former was recently involved in a car accident in Amsterdam. The Argentinean is expected to be out for a further week or two.

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