Revealed: Man City lay groundwork for two box-office defender signings – sources
RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol remains the top centre-back target at Man City despite their pursuit of Napoli star Kim Min-jae, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (24 June) that City could make a late move to challenge Bayern Munich for Kim – who is available for around £50million next month thanks to a release clause in his contract.
But it is believed Man City continue to work hard on a deal for top target Gvardiol – with Napoli star Kim currently seen as a backup option.
The South Korean international’s price tag is believed to be a lot lower than that of Gvardiol – who is one of the most in-demand youngsters in world football.
Football Insider revealed on 9 June that Man City have held initial talks with RB Leipzig over the signing of 21-year-old defender Gvardiol.
He turned out 41 times across all competitions for Leipzig in the 2022-23 campaign, scoring three goals.
According to Sky Sports (19 May), Gvardiol has a release clause of almost £100million in his RB Leipzig contract – which becomes active in the summer of 2024.
Man City have identified Kim as a potential backup in case a deal for the Croatia international cannot be found.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (23 June) that Man United are set to pull out of the race for the 26-year-old with Bayern Munich in the box seat to secure his signature.
Bayern remain in pole position to sign the Napoli star, but City are monitoring his situation ahead of his release clause becoming active in July.
It is believed a top centre-back arriving in the summer window could spell the end of Aymeric Laporte’s Etihad Stadium career.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (23 June) that Laporte has already rejected an approach from Tottenham.
In other news, Man City hit jackpot with £840million boost.