Earlier today, we relayed news from Germany that Manchester City have no agreement in place with RB Leipzig over a deal for Joško Gvardiol and that their offer was ‘well below’ the €100m fixed fee requested by the Bundesliga side. It was also stated Leipzig are not against retaining the centre-back for one more season.
Marco Rose, the German club’s manager, had also dismissed claims the 21-year-old had a medical test with the Citizens.
Speaking to the reporters today, Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl admitted Manchester City have registered their interest in the defender and he’s also open to joining them this summer. His comments are relayed by Sky Deutschland.
“It’s true that Manchester City has confirmed that they would like him. The fact is that Joško has indicated that he can imagine it [moving to the Etihad] very well,” he said.
Eberl further stated his club and Pep Guardiola’s side are still “very far apart” to find an agreement over the transfer fee.
“There is no agreement, not even remotely an agreement,” Eberl explained.
Sky again reiterates the German club need €100m plus bonuses to sanction the centre-back’s sale. The director has also talked about claims made earlier about the Croatia international having a medical with Manchester City.
“A lot has been written anyway and the latest information about Joško surprised us all. But as you can see: Josko is here – so it’s not true. He didn’t do a medical – not that we know. And I don’t think he did it behind our backs because he’s just a professional,” he added.
Gvardiol, for his part, has already started the pre-season training with Leipzig and will be patiently waiting for Manchester City to put their money together to show they really want him.
