Man City have justified Josko Gvardiol stance amid RB Leipzig deadline

It didn't take long for the usual responses to follow news of RB Leipzig setting a deadline for Man City to complete a move for Josko Gvardiol.

City are still working on a deal to bring the 21-year-old defender to the club, but have been warned that they only have until mid-August for it to be close to completion.

It is understandable why Leipzig are trying to hurry up a sale, given they will need time to then go and sign a worthy replacement. It is also understandable why City aren't just hurrying along a deal to get it done for the sake of it.

As tedious as it might be for supporters to see transfer dealings drag on, it is the latest example of City asserting their authority on the transfer market and remaining in control of proceedings.

Read next: Leipzig set deadline for Gvardiol transfer to City with replacement identified

City have forged a reputation for being smooth operators, and if they want to stay on top, they must maintain those ruthless demands, even if it causes frustration amongst the fanbase.

They have taken a strong stance to stick to their internal valuations of players and are happy to walk away if the deal doesn't reflect a good investment for them. Most of the time, it works; see Marc Cucurella, Harry Maguire and Alexis Sanchez, to name just a few.

What should be reassuring for fans is that they do really want Gvardiol, and there is still confidence from both parties that an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks.

However, recent history also suggests that if, for whatever reason, a deal doesn't get completed this summer, then City will just carry on as normal and be comfortable with that.

The need for another left-footed centre-back isn't desperate while Aymeric Laporte remains at the