Manchester City are closing in on deals for Rodri, the Atletico Madrid midfielder, and Juventus right back, Joao Cancelo, worth upwards of £108 million as the Premier League champions waste no time laying the groundwork for next season.

Rodri has informed Atletico that he wants to join City after initially requesting time to decide his future and last season’s domestic treble winners are now expected to trigger the €70 million release clause (£62.5 million) in the 22-year-old’s contract.

That fee would eclipse the club record £60 million that City paid Leicester for Riyad Mahrez 12 months ago.

Having seen Chelsea sign midfielder Jorginho from under their noses last summer, City are adamant that a deal has still to be concluded and are unlikely to rest easily until the relevant funds have been deposited with the Spanish League - a requirement where Spanish release clauses are concerned - and personal terms finalised.

Rodri’s impending arrival at the Etihad Stadium would bring Guardiola’s 18 month search for a long-term successor for Fernandinho to an end and serves as an ominous warning to their rivals as City bid to build on their domestic dominance and finally land the Champions League.

Atletico - who are about to complete the £107.3 million signing of Benfica’s teenage forward, Joao Felix - have identified Real Madrid’s Marcos Llorente as a potential replacement for Rodri, who many consider to be the heir apparent to Sergio Busquets in the Spain national team.