Man City make huge offer for Bundesliga star amid interest from Chelsea

The first of the World Cup semi-finals takes place on Tuesday evening with Argentina facing Croatia in Qatar. 

The two sides are vying for a place in the final on Sunday where they will meet one of France or Morocco, who go head-to-head in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

Croatia have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament in the Middle-East, with Zlatko Dalic’s side having beaten Brazil on penalties in the quarter-finals.

Several players have impressed so far for Croatia, few more so than Josko Gvardiol, who has been in imperious form in defence.

The 20-year-old centre-back has helped his side keep two clean sheets so far and was crucial in Croatia’s win over Brazil, but it appears that he is now the subject of interest from one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

According to Foot Mercato via Football Insider, Manchester City have tabled a £95 million offer for the defender, who currently plays for German side RB Leipzig.

The defender has been the subject of rumoured interest from a number of clubs including Chelsea, but it is City who have apparently lodged a huge offer.

Gvardiol has played a key role in Croatia’s run to the final

Both The Blues and Manchester United have submitted offers for the player, believed to be in the region of £80 million, but City have bettered that figure in an attempt to prevent the player from joining one of their rivals.

The reigning Premier League champions are believed to be prepared to outbid their rivals in an attempt to sign Gvardiol in January, although The Citizens would allow him to remain in Germany on loan for the remainder of the season.

The young defender has already made 19 appearances for Leipzig so far this season, taking his tally for the club to 65 since joining the club from Dinamo Zagreb last year.

Gvardiol signed a six-year deal when he joined, meaning he is contracted to his current side until 2027, but Leipzig may choose to cash in on him following his sensational performances in Qatar.

Leipzig only paid around £15 million for the player last summer, so they look set to make a staggering profit in a very short period of time if they do let him leave.