Manchester City agree personal terms and launch €90 million bid for World Cup star

Manchester City have agreed personal terms with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol with the Cityzens reportedly also tabling their first official bid for the player.

Pep Guardiola could add another highly-rated defender to his Manchester City squad, as the Sky Blues eye a move for Josko Gvardiol, who could become one of two Croatian’s to sign for the treble-winners this summer.

Mateo Kovacic is poised to complete a £25 million move from Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium after completing a medical last week, while the Premier League and European champions have also taken a significant step towards signing Gvardiol, who is considered as a replacement for Aymeric Laporte.

Laporte is expected to leave Manchester City after five-years at the club this summer, with the young versatile defender being lined up as the 29 year-olds replacement.

Gvardiol, who is just 21 years-old, had an incredible World Cup campaign in Qatar last year as well as impressing in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.

The Croatian defender scored against Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16 first-leg tie in February, one of two goals scored by the centre-back in Europe this season.

Gvardiol made 30 Bundesliga appearances and helped RB Leipzig to the DFB-Pokal, making five appearances in the competition despite missing the final due to suspension.

The 21 year-old has a €110 million release clause which becomes active next year, however the defender is reportedly keen on leaving RB Leipzig this summer, with Manchester City in pole position to secure the signature of the centre-back, should he be allowed to leave the German club.

Fabrizio Romano reports that City have taken a significant step in potentially signing the Croatian international after agreeing personal terms with the player.

RB Leipzig still hope to keep Gvardiol according to Romano, however talks will take place between the two clubs, with the Bundesliga side wanting at least €100 million for the defender.

Philipp Hinze and Alexander Bonengel from Sky Germany claim that Manchester City have also tabled their first official offer to RB Leipzig, with a first bid of €90M plus bonuses for Josko Gvardiol.

It remains to be seen whether any City players could be involved in a deal, with RB Leipzig one of several Bundesliga clubs who are claimed to hold an interest in signing Cole Palmer this summer.