Transfer Talk: Race for Croatian colossus Gvardiol intensifies

Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are all reported to have submitted bids for Croatia and RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol.

Gvardiol, 20, has played every minute for his country at the World Cup in Qatar and is part of a backline that have conceded only three goals en route to an unlikely semi-final berth.

The young powerhouse is set to earn his 18th cap for his nation when they take on Argentina on Tuesday in Lusail.

And according to Foot Mercato, the Croatian is a wanted man in England, with three Premier League giants jostling to tie Gvardiol down to a long-term contract.

Leipzig are said to have turned down a bid from the Blues last summer, but speculation around the defender's future has only grown in recent weeks and it seems a matter of time before he moves on.

However, with a contract that runs until 2027, it will likely take a huge bid to pry Gvardiol away from Germany.

His performances in Qatar have demonstrated exceptional calmness and leadership at such a young age — qualities that are likely to inflate his price further.

Whether the Zagreb-born enforcer is ready to head to England remains unclear but he will certainly not be short of options once the World Cup concludes.

In other news

According to Fichajes, four clubs including Tottenham and Inter Milan are monitoring Argentina and Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister with a view to a January move. 

Juventus are prepared to offload a handful of players to fund a bid for Chelsea star Mason Mount, according to Calciomercato.

The Daily Mirror suggest Paris Saint-Germain are willing to offer Marcus Rashford a bumper contract worth £850,000 a week to persuade him to join the French giants.