Pep Guardiola 'firms up' defensive target and other Man City transfer rumours

Manchester City are getting ready to 'firm up' their interest in Josko Gvardiol - according to reports.

Speculation over the Croatia defender and his RB Leipzig future is at fever pitch right now and the 21-year-old is regarded by many as one of the best young centre-backs on the planet. He underlined that reputation with some impressive performances at the winter World Cup in Qatar as his nation reached the semi-finals.

Gvardiola also shone for the Red Bull outfit in the Bundesliga this campaign, making 41 appearances for them in all competitions as well as contributing with three goals. He also helped his teammates keep 14 clean sheets.

After getting their hands on the Premier League and FA Cup already, City might yet make it a dream treble if they succeed in the impending Champions League showpiece against Inter Milan on Saturday night. However, they also have one eye on the upcoming summer transfer window.

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As such, Gvardiol - who has a release clause around the £100million mark in his contract - has been earmarked as a 'primary' target with Pep Guardiola reportedly firming up his interest. That's according to 90 min with other possible suitors including Spanish giants Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Elsewhere, in order to make room for Gvardiol in the star-studded City squad, reports from the same outlet argue City will sanction an outgoing move for Aymeric Laporte with Aston Villa thought to be among those interested in his signature. Laporte, 29, has made 179 appearances in five-and-a-half years at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the centre-back has been forced to play a bit-part role this season, due to fierce competition within the defensive ranks. Laporte