Manchester City are planning a mega-money swoop for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Premier League champions are currently locked in negotiations with Chelsea over a deal for Mateo Kovacic, who has already agreed personal terms with the Cityzens.
Man City have tabled a £25 million bid for the Croatia international, who has one year left on his current deal, and the Blues are open to doing business amid plans for a squad clear-out.
When the Kovacic deal is finalised, Romano insists the Cityzens will throw their weight at signing his countryman and international teammate Gvardiol from DFB Pokal winners Leipzig.
The Italian transfer expert reported last week that Man City considers Gvardiol a top target and have been hot on his trail since his stellar performances for his country at the 2022 World Cup.
The Cityzens have now advanced in talks to sign the highly-rated defender and are close to reaching an agreement on personal terms with the Leipzig star.
Gvardiol is keen on joining the newly crowned European champions, but reports suggest only a bumper fee would convince Leipzig into a summer sale.
The Germans remain keen to keep their highly sought-after centre back for at least one more campaign, but an offer over €80m could force them into doing business.
Man City are still thrashing out contract terms with the 21-year-old, but they will approach Leipzig with an official bid after wrapping up the deal to sign Kovacic.
Gvardiol missed Croatia’s Nations League games against the Netherlands and Spain through an injury problem, with his compatriots falling to Spain at the final hurdle.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola is keen to reinforce his backline, with Kyle Walker facing an uncertain future in Manchester amid concrete interest from Bayern Munich.
However, the Englishman is keen to remain with City and is in talks with the club hierarchy over a new deal, with his current contract set to expire next summer.
