Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola now personally wants to hijack Real Madrid and sign a “phenomenal” midfielder, who is valued at £87m.

Pep sets out to sign new midfielder amid Rodri concerns

After spending the majority of the 2024-25 season on the treatment table due to an ACL injury, Rodri has been eased back into the team by Pep, but the Spaniard suffered yet another setback in the 1-0 triumph at Brentford prior to the international break.

The central midfielder was ruled out of contention for Spain’s World Cup qualifiers, with Pep going on to express hope that it will be a matter of weeks, not months, before the 29-year-old returns.

The City boss also went on to add: “You asked me why I don’t play him 90 minutes all the time. The journalists always ask me why I substitute him. This is why we tried to be gentle and play [him] for 60-65 minutes.”

Amid concerns over Rodri, the Blues have set out to bolster his options in the engine room, submitting offers for two up-and-coming English midfielders earlier this week, and a Premier League star has also now emerged as a target.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Pep now personally wants to hijack Real Madrid and sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, with Man City expressing serious interest in securing his signature.

Manchester United have also set out to sign Wharton, off the back of the midfielder’s impressive performances for the Eagles, and sources suggest the south Londoners could hold out for a fee of around €100m (£87m).

However, with the Englishman contracted until 2029, and happy at Selhurst Park, Palace currently have no pressing need to cash-in, with a move more likely to transpire next summer than in January.

"Phenomenal" Wharton has earned move to top club

In many ways, it is a real surprise the 21-year-old has just one England cap to his name, given the impact the central midfielder has made ever since arriving at Palace, with Dan Cook of HLTCO being left particularly impressed.

In his only appearance for England, which came against Bosnia & Herzegovina just over a year ago, the youngster became the only midfielder to attempt 30+ passes on his Three Lions debut and complete each one, in what was an assured performance.

Given Wharton’s passing ability, he could flourish in a Pep system, and Man City should undoubtedly make a move in 2026.