Man Utd and Liverpool battle Real Madrid for €100m World Cup star

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 7 Feb 2023 14:53 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United and Liverpool have joined Real Madrid in the race to sign Croatia’s €100 million World Cup sensation Josko Gvardiol.

According to CalcioMercato, both Man Utd and Liverpool have made Gvardiol a target in the summer.

Liverpool are looking to replace Joel Matip or Joe Gomez, while Man Utd will move on Harry Maguire.

READ MORE: Liverpool join Arsenal and Chelsea in Caicedo race

Gvardiol’s club Leipzig will ask for a fee in the region of €100m.

Calciomercato adds that Gvardiol prefers to join Real Madrid, who are considered the favourites for his signature right now.

What has Gvardiol said about Real Madrid?

"Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, so who knows," Gvardiol told reporters in December.

"Maybe one day I can play there. I'd like to, yes.

"[Luka] Modric doesn't have to tell me anything about Real Madrid, there's no need. I already know everything. I know it's the biggest club in the world and how important it is to be linked to a team like that."

Gvardiol has emerged as arguably the most exciting young central defender in Europe over the last year.

The Leipzig defender was one of the best defenders at the World Cup for Croatia, who made it all the way to the semi-finals, finishing third.

Gvardiol had a number of impressive performances, including in the 0-0 group stage draw with Belgium which qualified Croatia for the last-16.

He made a goal-saving block late in the game which kept Croatia in the tournament.

He impressed again in the quarter-final victory over Brazil, although he struggled against Lionel Messi in the semi-final loss to Argentina.