From Germany: Manchester City to finalise second summer signing in next few days

Manchester City are set to imminently finalise a deal for RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol, who will likely become the most expensive defender in the world.

The 21 year-old, who starred at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar for Croatia late last year, is closing in on becoming Manchester City second signing of the summer transfer window, following in the footsteps of international teammate Mateo Kovacic.

Gvardiol could become the second Croatian to sign for the Manchester City, after Kovacic completed an initial £25 million move from Chelsea last month, replacing the outgoing Ilkay Gundogan.

The RB Leipzig centre-back has already agreed personal terms with the Blues, with City’s interest in the defender no secret, as Pep Guardiola seeks to further strengthen his treble-winning squad.

Gvardiol made 41 appearances for RB Leipzig last season, including featuring against Manchester City in the Champions League last-16, where the 21 year-old scored the equalising goal in the first-leg.

The Croatian also helped RB Leipzig to the DFB Pokal trophy last month, making five appearances in competition, despite missing the final due to suspension.

The Bundesliga club have already lost key midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to Liverpool and Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea, but look set to lose a third player to the Premier League, as Gvardiol closes in on a move to the Etihad Stadium.

Sport Witness relay a report from Sport BILD which claims that a deal is ‘pretty much done’ for Gvardiol to move to Manchester City for a record-breaking fee.

The German outlet claim that the deal is worth over €100 million, making the defender the most expensive in the world and eclipsing the fee Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire.

Leipziger Volkszeitung report that the transfer ‘will soon’ be confirmed, with the defender ‘sitting on packed suitcases’ awaiting the green light to move to England and sign for the reigning Premier League and European champions.

Gvardiol’s price tag was heavily impacted by a €110 million release clause which becomes active next year, with RB Leipzig’s Director Max Eberl confirming over the weekend that the player wishes to move to Manchester City this summer.