Liverpool leading the race for Bundesliga centre-back on Manchester United’s radar

Liverpool ‘leading the race’ for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol amidst Manchester United links

Premier League rivals Liverpool are ‘leading the race’ for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol amidst links to Manchester United, according to Football Insider (h/t Manchester Evening News).

The Croatia international has been associated with a move to England. Apart from the Red Devils and the Merseysiders, Manchester City are also eyeing the centre-back.

However, the 21-year-old’s current contract with the Bundesliga outfit runs until the summer of 2027. The defender’s existing deal

with Die Roten Bullen includes a £97 million release clause.

Liverpool currently have the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez in their ranks. However, this season, Jurgen Klopp’s team have struggled in all areas of the pitch and have especially looked shaky at the back.

As a result, the Anfield side are looking at Gvardiol to bolster their defence. The Croatian is seen as the ideal partner for Van Dijk at the Merseyside outfit.

The 21-year-old signed for Leipzig in the summer of 2021 from Dinamo Zagreb. Since then, the centre-back has been an ever-present in the German side’s starting lineup.

At the moment, Erik ten Hag has put faith in Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. The two have been the Dutch manager’s preferred duo at the back. However, as a result, other defenders in the squad have found game time hard to come by.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been bit-part players in the current campaign. It would not come as a surprise if our captain and the Sweden international opted to leave the club in the coming months for regular opportunities elsewhere.

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But if the Old Trafford side are forced to bolster the backline next summer, Gvardiol does not seem to be the right fit. It would not be wise to spend a considerable amount on a backup. Also, the Croatian will seemingly expect a starting berth.