Liverpool are 'very seriously' trying to sign 'the world's best centre-back' Josko Gvardiol

Liverpool are "very seriously" trying to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to the latest reports.

The Reds are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window, having endured a tumultuous season at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's side head into the international break in sixth place in the Premier League table, some seven points adrift of the top four.

Meanwhile, they have been knocked out of the Champions League and both domestic cup competitions, leaving fans itching for the club to reinvest.

Indeed, a major overhaul is expected in the summer, with a series of players coming towards the end of their contracts including central defender Joel Matip, whilst Nat Phillips is expected to depart at the end of the campaign.

In the meantime, a whole host of players have been rumoured with a move to Merseyside.

One of those is 21-year-old Gvardiol, who Klopp is keen to add to help strengthen his back line next season.

Gvardiol to Liverpool?

Respected journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed the club have been tracking the Croatian for some time.

"Gvardiol is one of the names on Liverpool's list for sure, and they've been tracking him very seriously over the course of the last few months,” Jacobs told Give Me Sport.

Although they are expected to face competition, with plenty of top European clubs eyeing a move for the defender in order to avoid meeting his £97 million release clause next summer.

In an interview with UEFA.com Gvardiol admitted he would make a decision on his future in the summer.

"Ambitions? Well, I don't really know. I'm here right now and we have a lot of work to do; there's the Bundesliga and we're also playing in the Champions League and competing in the [German Cup]." Gvardiol said.

"So, it's important for me to be as successful as possible this season, and then when the season is over, I can think about what and how to proceed."

Gvardiol caught the eye at the World Cup, helping lead his side to a third place finish in Qatar.

He was so impressive that his manager Zlatko Dalic labelled him "the best centre-back in the world".

Speaking after his side's goalless draw against Belgium, which sealed their place in the knockout rounds, Dalic stated: “Josko Gvardiol is the best centre-back in the world.

"To play this maturely, it’s amazing. The way he plays, with the elegance he carries the ball,” he added.