"Today Barcelona is closer to being able to consider this transfer than yesterday. We have now secured the player's agreement to open negotiations with Manchester City," the source said, confirming Spanish press reports.

According to a BBC Sport report, Manchester City midfielder Rodri is facing one of the biggest decisions of his career, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona ready to pounce if he decides against extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

The Premier League has never been afraid of change. Players come and go, fortunes rise and fall, owners rewrite club identities almost overnight. Yet for nearly four decades there was always a familiar figure standing in one of English football's biggest technical areas.

Maresca has taken charge following Guardiola's departure at the end of last season, bringing an end to the Spaniard's trophy-laden 10-year reign at the Etihad Stadium.

England centre-back John Stones has joined Inter Milan on a free transfer after spending 10 years with Manchester City, the Italian champions announced on Thursday.

Spain's World Cup-winning captain Rodri will be sidelined for a short period following minor back surgery, Manchester City said on Tuesday.

Enzo Maresca said Friday it is a "privilege" to follow Pep Guardiola as manager of Manchester City.

Former Manchester City and Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has turned down the opportunity to coach the Italy national team, a source familiar with the discussions told Reuters on Friday, confirming media reports.

Elliot Anderson declared Manchester City the "kings of Manchester" after completing his reported £116 million ($154 million) move from Nottingham Forest.

The Spain captain, who won the Golden Ball after inspiring his country to its first FIFA World Cup 2026 triumph since 2010 earlier this summer, now faces another spell on the sidelines following two injury-hit seasons at City.

Manchester City forward Phil Foden gave a boost to new boss Enzo Maresca by signing a four-year contract extension on Wednesday.

Maresca agreed a three-year contract with City after being forced to wait several weeks to seal his move to the Etihad Stadium.

Embrace authentic chaos with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as his unfiltered Snapchat presence and viral memes redefine modern sports stardom during the 2026 World Cup, proving elite legends can also be the best punchlines.

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has revealed Pep Guardiola was on the verge of quitting "100 times" before finally leaving at the end of this season.

Spain midfielder Rodri said he is focused on the World Cup and will only address his future at Manchester City after the tournament.

Pep Guardiola bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City as a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday brought down the curtain on a glittering decade under the Catalan.

Departing Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he hoped his successor can be true to themselves, warning that any attempt to find a carbon copy of him would likely backfire.

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said former mentor Pep Guardiola, who announced on Friday he is leaving Manchester City, gave him the belief to become a manager.

When Pep Guardiola arrived at Manchester City in 2016, the Spaniard was already a decorated coach, having won top honours at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Pep Guardiola said Friday he feared he would run out of the energy required to lead Manchester City after announcing his glittering 10-year tenure as manager will come to an end.