Real Madrid have reportedly highlighted Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi as a strong alternative to Rodri, should they miss out on a move for the Manchester City man.
Zubimendi was a Euro 2024 winner with Spain over the summer, replacing an injured Rodri at half time in the final against England.
The 25-year-old has spent his entire career at Real Sociedad, and turned down a move to Liverpool over the summer due to his love for the club where he broke through as a youngster.
However, the lure of Real Madrid is like no other, as the current Champions League holders have been able to pluck any player they want in recent years, such as Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Man City's Rodri is the number one target to add to their midfield, but the financial backing behind the Premier League champions and the success they achieve could be a significant stumbling block.
Rodri seamlessly slotted back into the Man City midfield in their 0-0 draw with Inter Milan on Wednesday, making his first club start of the new campaign, as the Citizens look to wrestle back the Champions League trophy away from Real Madrid this season.
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Could Real miss out on both Rodri and Zubimendi?
Transfer expert Ekrem Konur claims that Zubimendi is high on the club's shortlist of options should they fail in their pursuit of Rodri.
While luring Rodri away from the winning juggernaut that is Manchester City, Zubimendi appears on paper to be an easier target to prise away from his current employers, despite his strong local links at La Real.
That is where Konur feels Los Blancos could run into difficulty, though, as Zubimendi is loyal and has stated previously how happy he is at the club.
Home comforts are reportedly why Zubimendi chose to stay in San Sebastian this summer, but a move to Real Madrid may be less of a culture shock to the Spanish midfielder.
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Another window of speculation around Zubimendi to come?
Should Real pursue a move for Zubimendi though, they are unlikely to be the only club in the race.
Liverpool are the obvious other candidates, after they were strongly linked with a £51m move for the midfielder throughout the summer, and there is still optimism within the club that a move could happen in the near future.
The Reds activated Zubimendi's release clause, but just could not persuade the player to leave his hometown club behind, despite financial incentives, and the opportunity to play in the Champions League
However, a report on Thursday revealed that Zubimendi now has some regrets about not taking the opportunity to join the six-time European champions over the summer.
Seeing his teammate and midfield partner Mikel Merino leave for Arsenal could be a contributing factor, as well as the fact La Real have made a slow start to the season, with just four points from six games.
Those reports in turn may also increase Real Madrid's chances of claiming his signature, should a move for Rodri not materialise.
Andrew Delaney
