RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol requests to join Manchester City

RB Leipzig's sporting director, Max Eberl, confirmed that Josko Gvardiol has requested a transfer to Manchester City as discussions between the clubs progress.

Manchester City, who recently clinched a treble of trophies, are eager to bolster their defence and were informed by Leipzig in June that a record-breaking fee for a defender would be necessary for the transfer.

Leipzig have already lost key players this summer, including Nkunku, Laimer, and Szoboszlai, and Gvardiol's departure would be another blow to last season's team.

"Gvardiol and his agents gave us their desire to move to Manchester City. We are in talks with City," Eberl told LVZ.

"Yes, for €100m plus bonuses, Gvardiol will end up in Pep's strong hands. The value of the deal would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in history. But it might take a few more days."

The potential transfer fee would exceed the £80m paid by Manchester United for Maguire in 2019.

Although Chelsea had previously shown interest in Gvardiol, no agreement was reached before he signed a new contract with Leipzig.

Gvardiol's arrival would strengthen Guardiola's options in central defence, complementing the likes of Dias, Ake, Akanji, and Stones.

Manchester City have also signed midfielder Mateo Kovacic and saw their club captain, Gundogan, leave for Barcelona on a free transfer after his contract expired.