ManchesterCityremain in control of the situation of RB Leipzig defєɴԀer Josko Gvardiol this summer despite talk ofLiverpoolor Manchester United hijacking the bid.
According to Ben Jacobsin hisexclusive CaughtOffside column, the Croatia international remains a top target forCity, though he’ll likely cost around €100million to finally prise away from Leipzig.
Jacobs says the links with both Man Utd andLiverpoolare likely being used to put pressure on the treble winners to meet Leipzig’s demands.
Gvardiol would be an exciting signing for any top club, andCitywould do well to strengthen what is already such a good squad with an elite prospect like this.
Liverpool would surely also do well to beat their rivals to such a quality signing, and Jacobs does say that Gvardiol used to watch Reds games with his father growing up.
City are seemingly still in control, though, even if things aren’t as advanced as they thought they were earlier in the summer.
Josko Gvardiol in action for RB Leipzig
“ManchesterCityare still focused on signing Josko Gvardiol. RB Leipzig sports director Max Eberl recently denied an agreement was in place last month. 21-year-old Gvardiol is valued around €100m. IfManchester Citysucceed, they will definitely have to make Gvardiol the most expensive defєɴԀer in football history,” Jacobs said.
“Eberl said he was “surprised” by talk of an agreement being done, adding Leipzig andManchester Citywere “very far apart” in valuation. But there was certainly a point last month whereManchester Cityfelt a Ԁєɑł was close. Leipzig have also been irked by how publicly negotiations have played out.
“Although we are hearing ɾєρօɾτs of a last-ditchLiverpoolor Manchester United bid, I sense that’s just to provokeManchester Cityinto matching Leipzig’s terms.
“Liverpool do like Gvardiol, and the Croatian spent much of his youth watchingLiverpoolgames with his father. But I would still be surprised if they move to hijack given the price. And Manchester United have already exceeded their ρłɑɴned summer budget by addingHojlund. Their focus now will be on outgoings and a defensive midfielder. Unless Harry Maguire leaves, I don’t see a centre-back as a priority given the club’s budgetary constraints.
