Manchester City are in advanced talks to sign Croatia’s superb central defender Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.
The 21-year-old is likely to cost a world record fee for a defender, with the German side holding out for $100m from the Champions League winners this summer.
Pep Guardiola in for new central defender
The natural center-back can also be used as a left-back and in Pep Guardiola’s 3-2-4-1 formation, for which the Spaniard has deployed for most of the second half of the season, Gvardiol is seen as a perfect fit for the left side of a back three.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Bull-owned club will not sell the Croatian international unless they receive a huge fee and are prepared to keep the defender for one more season.
Understand Manchester City are advancing on Josko Gvardiol deal on player side. Negotiations on personal terms are progressing well, same as Kovacic. 🚨🔵 #MCFC
Leipzig will only sell Gvardiol for huge fee otherwise they are prepared to keep him for one more season. pic.twitter.com/ckKB9qX9Vr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 16, 2023
