Deadline passes, but the chase continues
When Chelsea set a 5pm deadline for offers for Enzo Fernandez, the expectation was that City might finally make their move. They didn't. No bid arrived from anyone, and the Argentine World Cup winner remains on the books at Stamford Bridge.
Yet that silence doesn't mean the story is over. Far from it.
What the reports say
Matt Law, writing in the Telegraph, reports that City retain genuine interest in Fernandez, even though they let Chelsea's deadline come and go without a formal offer. Chelsea, for their part, have reportedly taken the £120m figure off the table — though sources suggest they'd still consider that number if a bid arrived late.
It's a strange kind of standoff. Chelsea say the deadline has passed. City say nothing. And in the background, the real reason for the delay is playing out elsewhere.
The Rodri link
Miguel Delaney in the Independent frames it clearly: any City move for Fernandez depends on Rodri being sold to Barcelona, and quickly. City have already rejected two offers from the La Liga champions, neither of which came close to the £70m valuation placed on arguably the finest midfielder in the world.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are acting like the smartest club in the room. They're dragging their feet, and City are getting frustrated.
Delaney reports that the two deals are running in parallel. Sufficient progress has been made in talks over Fernandez, apparently, but the Rodri situation is holding everything up.
What happens now
If Chelsea stick to their guns, any late City bid is doomed. But if the Rodri sale finally goes through, the Blues could still make their play for the controversial midfielder.
For now, it's a waiting game. City's interest remains, the deadline has passed, and nobody seems willing to blink first.