Manchester United have sensationally entered the race to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol and are battling Chelsea and Manchester City for his signature, reports claim. The young defender's immense World Cup form has intensified interest in his signature, with Bayern Munich also among the heavyweights in the frame.
According to Foot Mercato, United and City have joined Chelsea in the battle for Gvardiol and have already made eye-watering offers to sign him in 2023. The Premier League champions' bid is currently the strongest, worth over £86million, including bonuses and a sell-on clause to lure him to the Etihad Stadium.
But Chelsea are following up their summer interest by offering £82m, and United are said to have tabled a bid of their own worth £77m. The Red Devils could be in the market for another new central defender amid doubts over Harry Maguire's future under Erik ten Hag and Raphael Varane's relentless injury issues.
The report adds that Bayern Munich are also in the picture and have scheduled a meeting with Gvardiol's agent for transfer talks. Barcelona and Real Madrid are, too, interested in the 20-year-old but are looking elsewhere due to his 'stratospheric' price tag.
Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City are battling to sign Josko Gvardiol. (Image: GETTY)
Gvardiol's stock has undergone a meteoric rise during the World Cup in Qatar, standing out as one of the tournament's top players. He has amazed many with his leadership at a young age, defensive awareness, passing and last-ditch tackling to help Croatia reach an unlikely back-to-back semi-final.
Croatia have conceded just three goals in their five games and are unbeaten after facing fellow semi-finals Morocco, Canada, Belgium, Japan and Brazil. Tests don't get much tougher as his next, with Lionel Messi and Argentina standing in their way of a second successive final.
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Josko Gvardiol has been one of the players of the World Cup. (Image: Getty)
Earlier this month, Gvardiol's agent played down talk of a rushed transfer after the World Cup. He said: "Regarding a possible transfer in the summer of 2023, we are not in a hurry. I can also make it clear that there are no pre-agreements with any clubs. For sure, a lot of top clubs are informed about him, but Josko has a long-term contract in Leipzig."
A January move for Gvardiol may be unlikely, with Leipzig currently just six points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern. However, he seems destined to seal a blockbuster transfer next summer, and the Premier League is looking like an increasingly likely destination.
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