Man City, Chelsea and Man United ‘are locked in a bidding war for Croatia star Josko Gvardiol’

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are among those preparing bids for defender Josko Gvardiol, according to a report.

The 20-year-old has shone at the World Cup in a Croatia team that has reached the semi-finals of the tournament for the second time in a row, and has also put in a string of impressive performances for club side RB Leipzig.

According to Foot Mercato, Leipzig are preparing themselves for an influx of bids from top European sides, including the Premier League trio.

The defender has shone for Croatia in their run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar

The six-foot-one centre half has played every minute of his country’s historic campaign in Qatar, and has burst onto the scene in recent years as one of Europe’s hottest prospects.

He’s made 65 appearances in Germany since joining from Dinamo Zagreb in 2021, and is expected to cost well in excess of £80million if a deal is to be completed.

It was reported Chelsea went in for Gvardiol in the summer, but an agreement was never reached and competition will now be a lot tougher.

He put in a solid performance as Croatia knocked out favourites Brazil on Friday evening

Interested teams would have to pay RB Leipzig well in excess of £80million to complete a deal

Manchester City’s offer is said to be in excess of £85million and include bonuses and a sell on percentage.

Chelsea and United, meanwhile, are believed to have offered between £77million and £82million for his services.

All three sides are on the hunt for a new centre back with United and Chelsea in transition following the appointments of Erik ten Hag and Graham Potter.

City, meanwhile, are looking to strengthen their defence as they look to close the five-point gap Arsenal have at the top of the Premier League table. 

Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also said to be interested in signing the defender.

Pep Guardiola’s City side…