Man City ready to pay Rodri's £62.8m release clause and end search for Fernandinho replacement

Rodri is set to become Manchester City’s all-time record signing.

Sources in Spain claim the Premier League champions are about to trigger the midfielder’s £62.8m buyout clause, while a move for left-back Angelino is also on the verge of being completed.

Rodri will need to undergo a medical and complete the formalities of his move from Atletico Madrid - but Pep Guardiola believes he has ended his long search for a top class holding midfielder.

Rodri became City’s priority summer target after missing out on Frenkie de Jong in January.

Guardiola also considered moves for Tanguy Ndombele and Marcos Llorente - but Rodri was always his first choice this summer.

The Spain international is considered the new Sergio Busquets in his homeland - and Guardiola believes he will add much-needed aerial presence to his squad, following the departure of Vincent Kompany.

City’s manager has spent the past two years trying to find a long-term successor to Fernandinho, who suffered a season disrupted by injury last term.

At the age of 34 it is accepted there is too much reliance on the Brazil international at this stage of his career.

Guardiola also missed out on deals for Fred and Jorginho in his attempts to bring in a holding midfielder before now.

Rodri is expected to be the first of a clutch of signings for the Catalan.

Angelino looks set to return from PSV Eindhoven, while Juventus’ Joao Cancelo is the man identified to replace Danilo, if the Brazil right back leaves this summer.

City also plan to replace Kompany with a top class centre-half with Harry Maguire targeted.

Manchester United’s £70m bid for the England international could price him out of a move to the Etihad - but City have yet to drop out of the race.