Pep Guardiola ‘talking with Croatia World Cup star Josko Gvardiol’ as Man City prepare world-record transfer fee

MANCHESTER CITY are readying a world-record transfer bid for Croatia star Josko Gvardiol, according to reports.

The centre-back, 20, has cemented his status as one of the hottest prospects in football with some impressive performances during the World Cup.

Pep Guardiola is reportedly preparing a world-record bid for a new defenderGetty

GettyMan City want Josko Gvardiol after his impressive World Cup displays for Croatia[/caption]

Unfortunately his and Croatia’s dreams ended on Tuesday night when they were beaten 3-0 by Argentina in the semi-final.

However, exciting things could still be on the horizon for the RB Leipzig ace as a host of clubs from across Europe chase his services.

Chelsea have been linked with him for months as have Manchester United and Real Madrid have also entered the chase for his signature.

Now a new report in France states that Pep Guardiola is preparing to “short-circuit” the competition with a bumper offer.

Foot Mercato claims their bid will amount to £86.1million.

United and Chelsea‘s offers are only thought to be up to £81.8m.

They also claim the German giants have a meeting scheduled with the player’s representatives too.

But they claim Man City want to blast their competition out of the water by investing heavily in Gvardiol.

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Boss Guardiola has allegedly already spoken with the defender regarding the move and to sell his project to him.

Gvardiol remains under contract until 2027 and his employers are under no pressure to sell.

But City are ready to try to convince them with a transfer offer that will total £94.7m and also includes a 20 per cent sell-on clause.

That would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in world football – usurping the £85m Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire.

And City are also prepared to try and sweeten the deal by buying him next month but allowing him to remain at Leipzig for the rest of the campaign on loan.