Joško Gvardiol is wanted by Manchester City from RB Leipzig, but the German club is demanding at least 100 million euros (£85.7m) for the Croatian defender.
After Manchester United spent £80 million for Harry Maguire in 2019, a deal for Gvardiol may make him the most expensive defender in the world.
The 21-year-old centre-back, who shone at the World Cup last year, is well-admired by City manager Pep Guardiola. Contact has reportedly been established between City and Gvardiol’s team, according to BBC Sport.
Gvardiol has a release clause that may be honoured next summer and is more than 110 million euros (£94.35 million). This release clause indicates that Leipzig would not consent to let him go a year early for a far lower sum.
Last season, Gvardiol made 41 appearances for Leipzig, scoring versus City in the first leg of their Champions League match, which they ultimately lost 8-1 on the whole.
The former Dinamo Zagreb player is believed to be ideal for Guardiola’s desired left-central defender position. He can play in either a three- or four-man defence.
Gvardiol has 21 caps under his belt for Croatia, and he scored in the third-place playoff win over Morocco in Qatar.
