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Manchester City’s pursuit of Spanish international midfielder Rodri continues at a pace with the latest reports as per the BBC suggesting that the Premier League title holders are prepared to meet a £62.6m release clause in order to get their man.

With a series of accomplished La Liga displays last season under his belt and City needing competition for their ageing dynamo Fernandinho in the crucial holding role, it is a switch that – at face value at least – makes perfect sense.

But does it if we delve a little deeper? Football FanCast endeavoured to find out by taking a look at what three experts have said about Rodri...

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Terry Gibson, Spanish football expert

"It took just 20 minutes into his debut at Villarreal to convince me that he was the real deal. His first touch, movement and anticipation in defensive situations was clear - he looked like a young Sergio Busquets immediately."

With an inherent elegance and intelligence in possession and boasting passing stats that last season concluded with a 91.1% success rate, it hardly surprises that similarities have been made between the 6 foot Madridista and Spain’s long-standing centre-circle conductor Sergio Busquets.

Indeed it’s a comparison that has persisted for quite some time as illustrated by the recent thoughts of respected pundit Gibson as per Sky Sports' Transfer Talk Podcast.

Luis Enrique, former Spain coach

"I have already spoken about their similarities. It's not good to give too much praise and he is very young, but Rodri comes across as very professional and prepared mentally. He can reach Busquets' level and maybe surpass it. Who knows what limits he has?"

It was Busquets of course who played the number 6 role in Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona side and if that link is cause enough for Manchester City fans to get excited it only gets better. According to the man who gave Rodri his full international debut last year, the ex-Villarreal pass-master could even go on to better the Iberian legend. That's the suggestion from former Spain boss Luis Enrique, as per Goal.com.

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Albert Celades, former Spain Under 21 coach

"He is a top-level player, he has a lot of quality. Aside from the physical traits that he has, he is very good defensively and in one-on-one battles, and tactically he is also very good. But above all, what most catches my attention is that for his size, he plays very quickly with both feet, perfectly for playing the ball in high-pressure areas."

Enough with the Busquets theme because even just three seasons in to his career Rodri has already established himself as a player and talent in his own right. But while there is no questioning his ability, doubts persist over his suitability to the frenetic English game, especially in an area of the pitch that often demands as much graft as craft. Here the view of his former Under 21 national coach is of interest, as per iNews.

Verdict

A confident and measured player, should Rodri find his feet in the hustle and bustle of the Premier League he could dictate Manchester City’s fortunes for years to come.