Manchester City identify Valencia's Pepelu as surprise 'ideal' Rodri replacement in transfer search to cover for injured Ballon d'Or winner

Per FootballTransfers, City are interested in signing Pepelu in January as they seek a replacement for the injured Rodri. He is a key player for Valencia, making 52 appearances since arriving in 2023, and City's scouts have conducted extensive checks on his ability.

Pepelu is viewed as a cost-effective option, even though he has a release clause worth €100m in his contract. Valencia paid just €5m (£4m/$5m) to sign him from Levante last summer. He has a contract until 2028, but City are a club that could comfortably afford that figure.

Pepelu has captained Valencia repeatedly this season and is a former Spain youth international. He has been called up by the national team but has yet to win a senior cap.

City will continue to keep a close eye on Pepelu's form. He is next in action against Rayo Vallecano this weekend.