Man City defender ‘set to leave’ if Josko Gvardiol arrives and more transfer rumours

Aymeric Laporte could head out of Manchester City if Josko Gvardiol arrives from RB Leipzig, according to reports.

The Spain international has been long linked with an exit after slipping down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium. The 29-year-old was seen in tears after City lifted the Premier League title, indicating he might have played his last game in Manchester.

However, there have only been sporadic links of a club coming forward for him this summer as Guardiola chases Gvardiol. Leipzig have put a deadline of a fortnight for the Blues to meet their asking price of around £85m.

City are reluctant to pay out that much for the 21-year-old, despite him being their top target this summer. But nevertheless, the BBC says that if a transfer is secured, Laporte will be told he can leave.

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Laporte has been involved in Guardiola’s pre-season plans and scored the winner against Bayern Munich in Wednesday’s 2-1 friendly win in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, former City academy star Romeo Lavia is said to have agreed personal terms with Liverpool. That’s according to Football Insider, which says the Reds have improved on an initial £38m offer for the midfielder.

City had been linked with a return move for the 19-year-old with Southampton contract details outlining that the Blues have a £40m buy-back option which triggers in 2024. City would be entitled to 20 per cent of any fee he goes for, the report highlights.

Despite Southampton’s Premier League relegation, Lavia was one player who impressed throughout the season. New Saints boss Russell Martin recently admitted the teenager “has a lot in his head” amid the speculation of an exit.

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