RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol has not ruled out leaving the Bundesliga club during the January transfer window.

Both Manchester City and Chelsea were heavily linked with the Croatian international over the summer, with the latter reportedly having a €90m (£79m) bid rejected before the player signed a new contract. However, despite stating he is not looking to leave Leipzig, Gvardiol admitted that things could change in the New Year:

“I’m happy at Leipzig, I still have a lot to learn and need to work on myself. I have people who deal with it, I didn’t think about a transfer. We’ll see what happens in the winter. I feel great, I’m healthy. I was a little behind at the beginning of the season due to rehabilitation. Now I’m waiting for the opportunity and minutes and I’m trying to use them in the best possible way.”

By getting Gvardiol to sign a contract extension, Leipzig were protecting the value of their player so, if City or Chelsea do attempt to make an offer in January, it will have to be substantial for it to be even considered.

A world record transfer fee for a defender will be required and you do have to ask whether Pep Guardiola’s side really need to make such an outlay on a position where they are pretty well covered.

Following the addition of Manuel Akanji, the Premier League champions currently have five centre-backs in the first-team squad.