Liverpool suffer major blow as transfer target states January plans

RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol has stated his transfer plans for January - and they do not represent good news for Liverpool.

Gvardiol has been linked with a move to the Reds in recent months, and starred at the World Cup with Croatia, helping his nation to the semi-finals.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who can also play at full-back, recently declared that Liverpool was his 'dream club'.

He declared (quotes via RTLDanas): "That would definitely be Liverpool.

"Since I was little, I watched a lot of Liverpool matches with my dad, and we covered every season in detail. It is a club that has remained in my heart."

Gvardiol has also been attracting interest from Chelsea and Tottenham, with Bild reporting that the player has a £112 million release clause that becomes active in 2024. He has a contract with the German giants until 2027.

Signing the Croatian this season would increase the Blues' transfer spending on defenders to over £200 million, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Benoit Badashile, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella all signed already this term.

Spurs, meanwhile, are said to also be keen on signing Gvardiol, with Bild claiming that the club's director of football Fabio Paratici is a big fan of the player.

However, all three clubs will be dismayed by Gvardiol's recent comments.

Gvardiol comments on transfer speculation

RB Leipzig director Max Eberl was asked about the future of one of the club's star assets, and dismissed speculation out of hand.

He said (via Tribal Football): "By activating the option to extend the contract we have the reins of the deal in our hands. The club has done an exceptional job.

"We have no interest in giving him away this summer."

And speaking about a potential move, Gvardiol told Sky Germany: "My plan is that I stay here. I think everyone has seen Max Eberl's statement. I'm okay with that."

It appears that Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs will have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements until at least the summer or beyond - or remain patient and either wait for the Croatian to become available, or launch a big-money bid.