Why Rodri's move could prove to be a significant blow to Man Utd's summer transfer plans

Rodri's transfer plans are set to have a significant blow on Manchester United's pursuit of one of their key summer transfer targets.

The Manchester City midfielder has been persistently linked with a move to Real Madrid during the summer window, with the Spaniard having entered the final 12 months of his existing contract.

Rodri was expected to become a vital part of Jose Mourinho's midfield, in the process sealing a return to the city of his birth.

But those plans were thrown into chaos on Thursday when Real's fierce rivals Barcelona made a late entrance into the race to sign the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.

AS report that Rodri has now 'definitively' chosen a move to Barca, and has informed Real Madrid's management that he no longer wants to sign for them.

Reports from earlier in the week indicated that there was a dispute between City and Real over the midfielder's value, with City demanding €75 million but Real refusing to pay over €50 million.

However, AS now say that Barcelona have agreed to a compromise with City and will pay them €60 million, with Rodri set to receive an eye-watering salary.

READ MORE: Rodri snubs Real Madrid as he gives 'green light to summer move worth around £25m per year

Rodri deals Man Utd severe transfer blow

The transfer will have a knock-on effect for United, with one of Michael Carrick's key transfer plans relying on Real Madrid and Mourinho.

More specifically, United have been targeting the signing of France international midfielder Tchouameni throughout the summer.

They have been met with reluctance from Real over a sale, but The Sun claimed earlier this month that Los Blancos would be willing to listen to offers for the 24-year-old if a deal for Rodri was agreed.

READ MORE: Real Madrid make 'final decision' over selling Aurelien Tchouameni to Man Utd to fund Rodri deal

United will therefore have to look elsewhere to seal their third midfield signing of the summer transfer window.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have arrived from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively for a combined fee of over £70 million, but United need to fill a series of gaps left in midfield through a combination of player departures and injuries.

Casemiro has left the club on a free transfer and subsequently signed for Inter Miami, while Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup.

FIFA are reportedly paying 80 per cent of Ugarte's wages as part of their Club Protection Programme, which awards compensation to clubs when their players suffer serious injuries on international duty.

United's other transfers include the free transfer arrival of goalkeeper Karl Darlow after his Leeds contract expired, and young winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham Hotspur's academy.