Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their efforts to signal a World Cup centre-back who has been excellent for his nation in Qatar.
RB Leipzig and Croatia star Josko Gvardiol has been in supreme kind all through the event, main his nation to a semi-final conflict with Argentina after they shocked Brazil within the final eight.
Gvardiol’s kind has seen a number of golf equipment sit up and take discover, with Premier League trio Chelsea, Manchester Metropolis and Tottenham additionally eager, together with the likes of Bayern Munich.
And Foot Mercato has now offered an replace on the race for the 20-year-old’s signature.
They report that Metropolis have already provided a deal value greater than £86million, which incorporates bonuses and a sell-on clause to lure him to the Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea, nonetheless, have adopted up their summer time curiosity by launching an £82m bid of their very own.
Tottenham, in the meantime, have been monitoring Gvardiol for greater than a 12 months however will virtually actually be priced out of any transfer.
As for United, the Crimson Devils are mentioned to have tabled a suggestion of £77m. However that determine is very unlikely to do the trick.
Erik ten Hag is available in the market for an additional centre-back as he prepares to doubtlessly offload Harry Maguire.
The England defender had a superb World Cup with the Three Lions however will virtually actually be third and even fourth-choice centre-back for United when he returns.
Bayern lurking to grab one other prime Bundesliga star
Nonetheless, Bayern are a serious menace, given their tendency to snap up prime expertise from different Bundesliga golf equipment.
The German giants have reportedly arrange a gathering with the participant’s agent forward of constructing their very own counter provide.
Gvardiol’s inventory has undergone a meteoric rise in Qatar. Certainly his management expertise, positioning, tempo and last-ditch tackling has actually stood out.
Croatia have solely conceded three objectives of their 5 video games. They’re additionally unbeaten after going through fellow semi-finalists Morocco, Canada, Belgium, Japan and Brazil.
Nonetheless, Gvardiol and his defensive colleagues can have their work minimize out with Lionel Messi and the intelligent motion of both Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez within the Argentina assault.
Agent speaks up on Gvardiol future
Whether or not he reaches the ultimate or not, Gvardiol has loved a memorable event. Though simply final month his agent performed down speak of a possible switch after the World Cup.
He mentioned: “Concerning a doable switch in the summertime of 2023, we aren’t in a rush.
“I can even make it clear that there aren’t any pre-agreements with any golf equipment. For certain, a number of prime golf equipment are knowledgeable about him, however Josko has a long-term contract in Leipzig.”
A January change additionally appears to be like extremely unlikely, provided that Leipzig are solely six factors behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern.
It simply now stays to be seen who would be the highest bidder. But in addition if the fashionable defender truly needs to hitch them.
READ MORE: Man Utd mulling shock signing that places Arsenal plan in danger, as U-turn tees up opinion-splitting arrival