Manchester City and Real Madrid could both make offers for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol at the end of the season, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

It has recently been revealed that the Croatian has a €112m (£98.6m) release fee, but the buyout clause can only be triggered in 2024. Despite that being the case, though, Romano predicts that City and Real may press ahead with signing the defender next summer:

“Manchester City and Real Madrid, they also had some conversations. My feeling is that Man City and Real Madrid are interested for next summer, so to prepare something for next summer.”

Gvardiol showed at the World Cup that he has the potential to be one of the world’s best centre-backs, and that is undoubtedly persuaded City to push the boat out for him, after previously being interested in the player earlier this year.

Chelsea’s decision to pursue Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile would suggest that they could well pull out of the race for Gvardiol, giving City a clearer path to secure the 20-year-old’s signature.

However, there are likely to be plenty of other clubs interested in recruiting the Croatian international. In addition to Real, Manchester United have also been mentioned as potential suitors, so we shall see who does emerge as favourites for the centre-half.