Man City's 'stance' on Josko Gvardiol deal delay and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are not alarmed about the drawn out nature of negotiations for Josko Gvardiol and still expect the defender to join them this summer, according to reports.

City are looking to reinforce their defensive options. They remain in talks with RB Leipzig over a possible deal for centre-back Gvardiol.

Any transfer fee agreed is likely to eclipse the £80m Manchester United paid Leceister City for Harry Maguire. In doing so, the Croatian international would become the most expensive defender in history.

It recently emerged that City are looking at alternatives in case a move for the 21-year-old Croatia international does not come to fruition. It could also mean that Aymeric Laporte, who has previously been tipped to leave this summer, could end up staying at the Etihad Stadium.

READ MORE: Michael Olise on Man City transfer list as they consider options

Treble winners City have added just one new player to their side so far in the current transfer window, with Mateo Kovacic joining the club from Chelsea for an initial £25m and could rise to £30m with add-ons. Several players meanwhile have headed out the exit door at the Etihad Stadium and the new season gets under way on August 11 away to Burnley in the Premier League curtain raiser.

But according to The Athletic, there is "no alarm" at City over the move not yet being over the line and it is still expected to take place. His acquisition will provide cover at both centre-back and also left-back.

Elsewhere, young City defender Finley Burns is poised to join League One side Stevenage. According to Football Insider, the Boro have beat off competition from several other sides in the EFL to secure the 20-year-old's services.

The Manchester Evening News are