Manchester City pursue £85.77m deal for RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol - report
Manchester City have actively engaged in negotiations to secure the services of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig; however, the German club have set a steep price tag for the talented Croatian defender.
Josko Gvardiol.<p>
Manchester City are reportedly actively pursuing the signature of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig, but the German club is adamant about their €100 million (£85.77m) valuation for the Croatian defender. </p>
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City manager Pep Guardiola is said to be very impressed by the 21-year-old centre-back, who showcased his talent at the previous World Cup. </p>
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As per BBC Sport, City have reportedly established contact with Gvardiol's representatives to explore a potential transfer. </p>
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Gvardiol possesses a release clause exceeding €110 million (£94.35m), which can be activated next summer. Consequently, Leipzig refuse to part ways with him a year ahead of schedule for a considerably lower fee. </p>
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The talented defender made 41 appearances for Leipzig last season and even scored against City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter, despite ultimately succumbing to an 8-1 aggregate defeat. </p>
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With 21 caps and a goal for Croatia, Gvardiol's versatility as a left central defender, adept in both three- and four-man defensive setups, perfectly aligns with Guardiola's requirements, especially as he faces the potential departure of Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte. </p>
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Should the deal materialize, Gvardiol's transfer fee could surpass the £80 million Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, making him the world's most expensive defender. </p>
<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/manchester-city-pursue-85m-deal-for-leipzigs-josko-gvardiol-report">Manchester City pursue £85.77m deal for RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol - report </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>