RB Leipzig 'set Manchester City deadline for Josko Gvardiol agreement'

RB Leipzig will reportedly push Manchester City to agree a fee for Josko Gvardiol by the second weekend in August.

Since last summer, the Croatia international has been linked with a transfer to the Premier League, despite agreeing a renewal to his Leipzig contract at the same time.

That development occurred for Leipzig to strengthen their position, yet there has seemingly been an understanding that a sale could take place if the Bundesliga outfit receive their desired fee.

In recent weeks, it has become apparent that the figure in question is set in the region of £86m, which would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in history.

At one stage, reports indicated that Man City have signalled their willingness to meet those demands and it was alleged that the 21-year-old was closing in on a transfer to the Etihad Stadium.

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However, Leipzig are yet to accept a proposal put forward by their counterparts at City, leaving Gvardiol to continue preparations for the new season with his German side.

The expectation is that City will return with a fresh bid, one that is more suitable to the payment structure that is being requested by Leipzig.

Nevertheless, according to the Daily Mail, the English top-flight champions have learned that Leipzig want a settled squad by no later than August 12.

With Gvardiol possessing a contract until 2027, Leipzig are under no pressure to sell, but they would require a replacement if a deal is eventually reached.

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Head coach Marco Rose has already been extremely proactive in the transfer market, but 18-year-old centre-back El Chadaille Bitshiabu remains Leipzig's only defensive addition from Paris Saint-Germain.

From City's perspective, they are seemingly looking for an upgrade in the left-sided centre-back and left-back roles, with Gvardiol likely to be a regular starter if a move transpires.

City are believed to be open to selling Aymeric Laporte, although that exit may not go through unless Gvardiol arrives in the North West of England over the coming weeks.

Gvardiol has made a total of 87 appearances during his time at Leipzig, helping the club to two DFB-Pokal trophies since 2021.