From Fabrizio Romano: Manchester City advancing on deal for Bundesliga superstar

Manchester City are now advancing in their pursuit of RB Leipzig central defender Josko Gvardiol, according to a fresh update from Fabrizio Romano.

Interest in the 21 year-old comes amid continued uncertainty surrounding the future of Aymeric Laporte – who is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium in the coming weeks after falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola this season.

The Spanish international has often acted as back-up to the likes of Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, and John Stones, whilst failing to win over the manager’s trust as an option for the vacant left-back role that was ultimately made his own by Nathan Ake.

In anticipation for the exit of Laporte this summer, Manchester City have seemingly identified their number one replacement for the position, showing a keen interest in the versatility of RB Leipzig and Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol.

City witnessed the talents of the youngster up close in the UEFA Champions League this season, en route to the victory in the final in Istanbul, as they defeated Leipzig 8-1 on aggregate in the last-16 stage of the competition.

There have been no such concerns over the levels showcased by Gvardiol in that particular contest however, with a new update highlighting the progress being made by Etihad officials on a potential deal.

According to new details from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are currently advancing on a deal for Josko Gvardiol on the player’s side, with negotiations regarding personal terms described as ‘progressing well’.

Perhaps the only stumbling block for the Treble winners is that of the transfer fee, with Romano reaffirming that RB Leipzig will only sell the Croatia international for a ‘huge’ fee. Otherwise, the Bundesliga club are prepared to keep him for one more season.

Elsewhere, Manchester City continue to look to strengthen other areas of the pitch, and another recent understanding is that the Premier League champions could look to recruit at right-back due to uncertainty over Kyle Walker.

The England international has also become frustrated over game-time and opportunities in Pep Guardiola’s squad this season, with there being a very high chance that he could follow Joao Cancelo through the exit door in the next few weeks.

Sheffield United have long been mooted as a potential destination for the Sheffield-born full-back, while a number of other top-level Premier League clubs could show an interest, namely Aston Villa – who are monitoring his situation.