Transfer Talk: City want new rear-Gvard before Community Shield

Manchester City are keen to finalise a deal for RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol before Sunday's Community Shield showdown with Arsenal, according to the Daily Mail.

Leipzig have stood firm on their valuation of the Croatian powerhouse, 21, and are holding out for a fee that would make him the most expensive defender of all time.

The report suggests that both clubs would like a resolution to the saga before the domestic campaign starts and City remain hopeful that they can prise the defender away for less than his £86million valuation.

Mateo Kovacic, who joined the Premier League champions from Chelsea this summer, urged his international team-mate to make the move and believes he is ready to take a significant step in his career.

He said: "Josko has great potential, he can come here and learn and be the best version of himself. I'd obviously like it — it would be nice to have a Croatian by my side here.

"I think it's a good time [to join City]. They are on a great run, a very confident team and a team you can learn from."

But with the 21-cap international under contract until 2027, the power remains in the hands of the selling club.

In other news

According to Football Transfers, Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou wants to bring Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku to the club should they sell Harry Kane.

The Evening Standard report that Arsenal have agreed a deal with Brentford to sign goalkeeper David Raya for around £40m.

Chelsea have added Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams and Ajax maestro Edson Alvarez to their list of transfer targets, according to The Times.