Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City interested in Bundesliga defender

Liverpool inflicted Manchester United’s joint-heaviest ever defeat on Sunday as they thrashed their opponents 7-0 at Anfield. 

The two sides couldn’t be separated until Cody Gakpo’s opener shortly before half-time, and The Reds then netted twice more within five minutes of the restart.

In the end Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez each netted twice, before Roberto Firmino added a seventh late on to mark Liverpool’s biggest ever victory over their rivals.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have struggled so far this season but the German will be hoping that the standout result can kickstart a change in their fortunes.

Gakpo was signed in January in a bid to turn things around, but it has now been revealed that Liverpool also looked into the possibility of signing a Bundesliga star during the mid-season window.

According to Fabrizio Romano, The Reds explored the conditions of a possible deal for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol back in January.

It is claimed that the Croatia international is a target for several clubs across Europe, with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City said to be interested.

Gvardiol is set to be the subject of interest from a number of clubs this summer

Citizens boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly an admirer of the centre-back, who has impressed for Leipzig since making his debut for the club at the start of last season.

The 21-year-old joined the Bundesliga side from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2021 and has since made 75 appearances for the club.

Gvardiol also impressed for Croatia at the World Cup in Qatar, playing in all seven games for his country and scoring in the third place play-off as they beat Morocco.

Chelsea, who have made 16 permanent signings since Todd Boehly took charge of the club last summer, are also said to be interested in the defender.

The Blues have reportedly been interested in the defender since last summer, although it remains to be seen whether or not they will renew their interest this summer following the signing of Benoit Badiashile in January.

The player’s current contract is set to run until 2027, which puts Leipzig under very little pressure to sell.