Chelsea and Man Utd target Josko Gvardiol has already admitted that Liverpool is the club he dreams of playing for.
The Croatia centre-back starred during the World Cup in Qatar, and was named in football data giant Opta's team of the tournament.
He played every minute of his nation's World Cup campaign, keeping two clean sheets and scoring in the 2-1 win over Morocco in the third/fourth place play-off.
Advert
The 20-year-old was already considered as a rising star before the tournament. Manchester City reportedly launched a bid for the RB Leipzig centre-back earlier this month. But the World Cup has enhanced his reputation even further as some of football's elite clubs continue to circle around him.
Manchester United are also reportedly keen, with former boss Ralf Rangnick recommending that the club sign him last January.
And Chelsea and Liverpool possess an interest in acquiring his services as well - but the Reds may already be one step ahead of their rivals in this particular transfer chase.
Gvardiol dreams of playing for Liverpool
Speaking in June 2021, prior to his move from Dinamo Zagreb to Leipzig being officially completed, Gvardiol admitted his desire to play for Liverpool in the future.
Advert
He told Croatian outlet 24 Sata (quotes via Football365): "Liverpool. Since I was a little boy, my dad and I watched Liverpool matches, and I grew up with only them.
"When I took football more seriously, I started following them, and I definitely want the Premier League and Liverpool."
Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has claimed that Liverpool have shown 'real interest' in signing Gvardiol, who has a contract with Leipzig that runs until 2027.
However, City have also rejoined the race for his services, with boss Pep Guardiola said to be a fan of the player. But they allegedly will offer no more than €90 million, which may encourage the Reds if they can stump up the cash to purchase one of football's top young defenders.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Transfers, Premier League, Croatia, Football World Cup