Sergi Roberto’s contract expires in 2022 and the time left on his current Barcelona deal has caught attention of other clubs.
Manchester City were linked with the 29-year-old last summer and continued to be named as a contender in this window.
Sport explain unnamed Serie A sides knocked on the versatile player’s door, while a move to the Etihad was an option.
Pep Guardiola has long been an admirer of the Spain international as the City manager has ‘always shown his preference’ towards the player.
The Premier League winners’ ‘letter was on the table’, meaning the option to join the Citizens was on the table for Roberto, if he had decided to leave Barca this summer.
Roberto, who can operate in the midfield or as a right-back, ‘did not consider’ joining City or any other club because of his desire to continue with the La Liga side.
The Spaniard has ‘responded to the club’s call’ to formulate a new contract, while taking into account Barca’s poor economic conditions.
Sport explain ‘everything indicates’ Roberto will sign a new deal before the end of this month and his contract will be extended until 2024.
