By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

9th Jun, 2023 | 12:30pm

Revealed: Man City open talks to sign Josko Gvardiol - sources

Man City have held initial talks with RB Leipzig over the signing of defender Josko Gvardiol, sources have told Football Insider.

The Citizens are expected to step up their pursuit of the 21-year-old following the conclusion of their Champions League final clash with Inter Milan on Saturday (10 June).

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Gvardiol is the “top target” for Man City heading into the summer transfer window – which officially opens next week.

It is believed that Pep Guardiola’s side are confident of agreeing a deal for the Croatia international.

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.

His contract with the German club runs until June 2027 after he signed a bumper extension last year (2022).

The 21-year-old turned out 41 times across all competitions for Leipzig in the 2022-23 campaign, scoring three goals.

Despite his tender age, Gvardiol has racked up 139 senior appearances and has played 31 times in European competitions.

He has also amassed 21 caps for Croatia and played seven times for his country at the 2022 World Cup as they achieved a third-place finish.

Liverpool have also been previously credited with an interest in Gvardiol’s services.

However, Football Insider revealed in April that he is no longer considered a top target for the summer transfer window as the Reds deem his asking price too expensive.

Man City already have Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Manuel Akanji among their centre-back options.

In other news, Celtic target senior Man City man in manager search.