RB Leipzig sporting director denies agreement with Man City for Gvardiol | OneFootball

RB Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl has dismissed claims they have agreed a mega deal to sell Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City.

The Premier League champions need defensive reinforcements and have turned to the Croatian centre-back.

City will likely lose Aymeric Laporte this summer and want Gvardiol to replace him in the squad.

There were rumours Leipzig had agreed a deal worth over €100 million with the Premier League champions, but Eberl has denied this.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Eberl said: “There is no agreement with Manchester City. Not even close.”

Despite the denial, City and Gvardiol have agreed personal terms and the deal will eventually be completed.

The DFB Pokal champions are already scouring the market for replacements, with Lyon’s Castello Lukeba one of their primary targets.

Leipzig have submitted a first bid which Lyon rejected. They will return with a higher offer, with the Ligue 1 club demanding €35 million.

The Bundesliga club will be keen to get the deal over the line, having been criticised for dragging their heels in the summer transfer window.

Leipzig had Lois Openda as their top target following the departure of Christopher Nkunku but spent ages haggling over his price.

They have since added Fabio Carvalho and Xavi Simmons to their attacking roster. Benjamin Sesko has also joined the club.

Leipzig are reinforcing themselves to challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title this season.

They have the firepower and creativity department sorted but must also beef up their defence, especially if they lose Gvardiol to City.