Manchester City have reportedly agreed personal terms with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, with the youngster recently linked with a move to Liverpool.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the reigning Premier League champions have moved to strike an agreement with the Croatian international, with City now faced with negotiating a fee with Leipzig for Gvardiol, which could reach a world-record fee for a defender of €100m (£88m).
The Italian journalist recently told GiveMeSport that Liverpool were also interested in the 21-year-old centre-back. However, with the Reds chasing midfielders and a defender arguably last on Jurgen Klopp’s summer shopping list, City have used the opportunity to swoop for Gvardiol.
Regarded as one of the best defenders in the world already, the Bundesliga superstar now looks primed to become the latest marquee signing for City. Yet for Liverpool, missing out on Gvardiol should not be viewed as some major setback this summer.
Liverpool were never going to sign Gvardiol amid City breakthrough
Gvardiol is one the most luxurious players out there on the market, and although Liverpool could have had an opportunity to land the Croatian superstar this summer, City’s interest meant that the Anfield side never really stood a chance for the Leipzig centre-back.
Indeed, Gvardiol is on course to become one of the best defenders in world football. And whilst Liverpool might have been a sensational next step for the 21-year-old, the pull and finances of City are simply impossible to match in this day and age.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
