Spain midfielder Rodri has authorized Barcelona to start talks with Manchester City for a potential transfer, a report said Thursday.
"Today Barcelona is closer to being able to consider this transfer than yesterday," a source from the reigning La Liga champions told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
"We have now secured the player's agreement to open negotiations with Manchester City," the source said, confirming Spanish press reports.
Barcelona's move could hijack eternal rivals Real Madrid's reported interest in the 30-year-old as Los Blancos seek to strengthen their midfield under new manager Jose Mourinho.
However, Rodri's green light for the talks offers "no guarantee" about a transfer to Barcelona, the club source added.
