RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol has emerged as Manchester City and Real Madrid's top defensive target for the summer window, according to a report.
The Croatia international has established a reputation as one of Europe's top young defenders, starring for club and country over the past two seasons.
Chelsea pushed hard to bring Gvardiol to Stamford Bridge last summer, but Leipzig rebuffed their advances and agreed a new contract with the 21-year-old until the summer of 2027.
The defender's renewal is unlikely to put potential suitors off this summer, though, with a host of leading European teams queuing up to present their offers.
Chelsea are expected to reignite their interest in the former Dinamo Zagreb starlet ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, although his price tag could prove problematic for the Blues, who reported a £121m loss in their latest financial accounts for the 2021-22 season.
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Now, 90min reports that both Man City and Real Madrid have placed Gvardiol at the top of their defensive transfer wishlist, and Leipzig have conceded that the Croatian is ready to take the next step in his career.
Die Roten Bullen supposedly do not expect Gvardiol to try to force a move away, but they are bracing themselves for a plethora of bids for the highly-rated centre-back.
Gvardiol supposedly possesses a £97m release clause in his current Leipzig contract, but clubs cannot activate that option until 2024, and the Bundesliga side will ask for £75m to part ways with the 21-year-old this summer.
Liverpool are also believed to be admirers of Gvardiol, but the Reds are not expected to emerge as serious contenders for his signature due to the cost of the deal, which would prove unfeasible if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Economic concerns could also harm Man City and Real Madrid's pursuit, as both sides would not be able to pull off a double swoop for Gvardiol and Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham in one transfer window.
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Gvardiol has five goals and three assists under his belt from 79 games for Leipzig since joining in 2021, including three goals from 33 appearances in all competitions during the current campaign.
The 2002-born defender played every minute for Croatia during their run to the bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup, scoring his only goal of the tournament in their third-placed playoff win over Croatia.
City boss Pep Guardiola is spoiled for choice when it comes to centre-back options at the Etihad, but speculation is rife surrounding a move away for the out-of-favour Aymeric Laporte.
The Spain international finds himself behind Nathan Ake, John Stones, Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji in the pecking order, and both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are keeping an eye on developments.
Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Nacho Fernandez have featured regularly in the Real Madrid backline this term - the latter is out of contract in June but is expected to agree to a one-year extension.
Ben Knapton
