Transfer Talk: City close in on record-breaking Gvardiol deal

Manchester City are close to sealing an £86million move for Josko Gvardiol.

Negotiations between the European champions and RB Leipzig are set to be completed this week, according to The Telegraph, with the Croatian likely to become the most expensive defender in history.

City are eyeing upgrades at the back amid speculation that Kyle Walker and Aymeric Laporte could move on this summer.

In 21-year-old Gvardiol, they are hoping to sign one of the most promising players in world football in that position.

The Dinamo Zagreb academy graduate starred at the World Cup last year as Croatia sealed a third-place finish and he also scored against Pep Guardiola's team in the Champions League in February.

He can play at centre-back or left-back and looks a good fit for a City side that featured four out-and-out defenders across the backline by the end of last season.

Should a deal be completed, Gvardiol would eclipse Harry Maguire to become the most valuable defender ever.

Other news

The Telegraph report that Newcastle are keen on midfielders Kalvin Phillips and Conor Gallagher.

Brentford have agreed a £23m deal to sign Wolves defender Nathan Collins, report Sky Sports.

Napoli have had a £30m offer Wolves defender Max Kilman turned down, say The Athletic, with the Midlands outfit asking for at least £35m.

Newcastle are keen to sell winger Allan Saint-Maximin this summer, report FootballTransfers.