Manchester City assistant manager Mikel Arteta admits he's a fan of Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo.

While refusing to admit Rodrigo is a transfer target, Arteta did drop the player's name when discussing what is required from their No6.

He told Marca: "I will not offer names, but our '6' must understand our game. It is vital. He is the one that makes everyone work, the one that frees those in front, the one who finds superiority, the one who sets the pace...

"The position has changed a lot. There are already few teams that want to play with a single midfielder, holding the whole game. I'm not talking about City, but in other teams that role is not as defined. It is losing that figure of only one that plays there, a Jorginho type, who I love, or (Sergi) Busquets.

"Rodri? He closely resembles what 'Busi' is. Few people read the game alone, those who anticipate scenarios, who are mentally stable, who can be a coach on the field, in the case of Xabi Alonso or Xavi Hernández."