Enzo Maresca wants Manchester City to explore a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez should Rodri leave the club this summer, according to reports.
Rodri has long been keen to return to Spain this summer, admitting in March last season that he would find it difficult to turn down a move to Real Madrid.
But with talks stalling between Rodri and Madrid, the midfielder has now verbally agreed to join Barcelona after talks with head coach Hansi Flick.
The Catalan giants still need to agree a fee for the Spaniard, however, and have seen an opening bid of nearly £40million rejected by City, who are keen for a figure in excess of £60m.
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But should both clubs agree a fee, City will dip back into the transfer market to find a replacement for Rodri, especially having already seen Bernardo Silva depart for Real Madrid earlier this summer.
Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has been heavily linked with a move to City after his breakthrough performances with Morocco at the World Cup.
But The Independent reports that Maresca is keen for the club to explore a move for Fernandez after their time working together at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old is yet to report back to Stamford Bridge after reaching the World Cup final with Argentina, but previously indicated his desire to leave Chelsea this summer.
Fernandez had been pushing for a move to Real Madrid, although the Spanish giants subsequently publicly insisted they would not pursue a move.
Chelsea and new boss Xabi Alonso are said to be keen to keep hold of Fernandez, and value the midfielder at £120m.
And speaking on the club’s pre-season tour, midfield partner Moises Caicedo said he was also keen for Fernandez to return to Stamford Bridge for the new season.
‘I love Enzo, he knows I have a lot of respect for him because, as we know, the player is not just a player, he is a great person,’ Caicedo said.
‘I want him to stay, but I’m not going to talk about that because if he stays here, it’s going to be massive for us.’
Fernandez notched up 16 goals and nine assists in all competitions last campaign in what was a disappointing season for Chelsea despite reaching the FA Cup final.
The central midfielder then endured a mixed World Cup, scoring key goals against Egypt and England to help his nation reach the final, before costing his side in the final after getting sent off following two brainless yellow cards.
City have already spent big this summer to bolster their midfield, signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m.
They have also been linked with Chelsea duo Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto, who the Blues are open to selling for the right price.
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