Report: Man City targeting defender who was said to be a Spurs top target
Manchester City are interested in signing RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who has also been targeted by Tottenham this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist has claimed the Croatia international is on City’s shortlist for Pep Guardiola with Nathan Ake’s proposed £40 million move to Chelsea still a possibility.
Manchester City have not changed their plans: they will sign a new centre back this summer in case Nathan Aké joins Chelsea (at least £40m). Josko Gvardiol, highly rated but Leipzig want to keep him. #MCFC
Marc Cucurella, still considered a top target – waiting for the bid.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2022
It comes after Spurs also named Gvardiol as a prime target to fulfil Antonio Conte’s request of acquiring a new left-sided centre-back ahead of the new campaign (The Athletic).
Journalist Peter O’Rourke revealed Gvardiol was among Tottenham’s ‘top targets’ (GiveMeSport) while Alasdair Gold claimed the youngster was at the top of the list, above even Alessandro Bastoni.
However, both Premier League clubs are set to face a battle to prise the 20-year-old out of Germany with Sportske Novosti claiming he could sign a fresh contract with Leipzig which would keep him at the Red Bull Arena beyond the summer.
Gvardiol enjoyed a stellar season with the Bundesliga side last term and has quickly emerged into one of the Bundesliga’s most talented central defenders.
Making 45 appearances across all competitions (Transfermarkt), he helped Leipzig book their place in the Champions League as Die Roten Bullen secured a top-four finish.
Spurs Web Opinion
Gvardiol deserves to be playing for one of the best teams in the world given his displays over the last couple of seasons, but completing a deal for him will be a tough prospect.
He will cost a fair bit and although a club like Spurs will have the funds to achieve that, other teams such as City could easily swoop in at any point themselves.
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