Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Real Madrid require player departures to balance their balance sheet for incoming transfers.
"Yan Diomande, Rodri, financially are completely separate topics for Real Madrid," said Romano.
Significant sales remain a prerequisite for any further high-profile acquisitions by the Spanish giants.
"And in order for these deals to happen, Real Madrid need fresh money, they need outgoings," Romano explained.
Player sales will directly dictate Real Madrid's ability to pursue top targets like Rodri.
"For example if they decide to bring in Rodri, they need to generate money.
So we need to understand who could be on the way out of Real Madrid," Romano added.
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Manchester United have also evaluated alternative midfield targets, including Roma's Manu Kone, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, and Bournemouth's Tyler Adams, who is valued at £35 million.
