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Sources: Liverpool well placed to sign Josko Gvardiol in new twist
Liverpool are in the running to sign Red Bull Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 21-year-old Croatia international is one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe after shining in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season.
The Reds have a concrete interest in signing Gvardiol in the summer, but are aware of strong competition for the player from Man United, Man City and Real Madrid.
Jurgen Klopp is looking to rebuild his defensive depth next season, with a new centre-back high on his summer shopping list.
Football Insider sources revealed last Saturday (18 March) that Liverpool are ready to accept offers of around £10-15m for defender Joel Matip.
Gvardiol is seen as an ideal partner for Virgil van Dijk at Anfield, and Klopp is pushing the Liverpool board to invest heavily this summer.
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It is reported by The Daily Mail, that Gvardiol has a release cause introduced to his contract in 2024 worth £97million, therefore a bidding war is expected this year between a number of teams that are trying to avoid paying that fee next summer.
Gvardiol joined Leipzig in 2020 from Dinamo Zagreb and has grown to become a crucial player for the Bundesliga side.
He spent his first season at the club back on loan at Zagreb but then impressed enough to be handed a first-team spot at Leipzig.
He has since made 78 senior appearances for Leipzig, including 32 in the current campaign.
In other news, Agbonlahor is ‘sure’ about James Milner with three Liverpool exits now certain in the summer