City Planning Swoop For 97M Rated World Cup Star As They Target Laporte Replacement

Manchester City have made RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol their number one target if they sell Aymeric Laporte, according to reports in England.

Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be interested in recruiting Laporte, who could be offloaded if a bid of around £60m is made.

Gvardiol would seemingly be the perfect replacement. He starred for Croatia at the World Cup and, like Laporte, he is left-footed.

At 21 years of age, he would also have plenty of room to develop as a player, and he could well be a mainstay of City‘s defence for years to come.

However, there will be fierce competition for Gvardiol’s services. Chelsea tried to sign the centre-back last year, while the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid are said to be keeping tabs on the player.

The Croatian’s price tag is also expected to be very high. While there is a £97m release clause in his contract, it doesn’t become active until 2024, so Leipzig can ask for whatever fee they like this summer.