Manchester City midfielder Rodri has suggested that he would welcome Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams joining him at the Etihad Stadium.

The Premier League champions are currently struggling to win a fifth successive title having slipped 11 points adrift of Liverpool in the table.

One of the reasons behind City's slump is the absence of Rodri, who is likely sidelined for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.

As such, manager Pep Guardiola is being tipped to enter the market for a new midfielder when the transfer window reopens in January.

However, Rodri is seemingly of the opinion that City should give consideration to signing one of his teammates from the international scene in 2025.

"I would take him to Man City"

Rodri was recently at a ceremony to collect an award from Spanish outlet AS, leading to an interaction between Williams and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente through a remote connection.

When receiving an accolade from the newspaper, Rodri took the opportunity to praise Williams' recent progression, hinting that he would welcome the winger to Manchester.

The 28-year-old said, as quoted by GOAL: "Right now, I would take him to [Manchester] City, without a doubt, so that he feels the cold of Manchester, well it's similar to Bilbao."

Albeit said in a jovial way, Rodri's comments come at a time when Williams has frequently been linked with a move away from San Mames.

Barcelona were credited as admirers in the Euro 2024 winner in the summer, only for the 22-year-old to ultimately stay put and shift focus to trying to help Bilbao finish in the top four of La Liga and win the Europa League, the final being held at the club's home ground.

Would Guardiola consider an approach?

Although a new right-back and at least one central midfielder may be first on Guardiola's agenda, thought should also be given to attacking areas.

Jack Grealish has failed to impress over the past 18 months and may be made available for transfer without an improvement in form during 2024-25.

The expectation is that Williams will eventually leave his boyhood club for one of the biggest teams in the world. His current contract is due to expire in 2027.

Ernesto Valverde's side currently sit in fourth position in the La Liga table ahead of Wednesday's showdown with Real Madrid. body check tags ::