Man Utd 'bid £82m for World Cup star', Man City and Chelsea have also 'submitted offers'

Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have reportedly submitted bids for Croatia international Josko Gvardiol.

Gvardiol has enhanced his reputation as one of the best young defenders in European football with a series of impressive displays at the World Cup.

The 20-year-old has been a key player for Croatia, who beat Brazil on Friday to reach the semi-finals in Qatar.

They will now face Argentina in the last four on Tuesday and are aiming to reach their second successive final, having finished as runners-up to France at the 2018 tournament in Russia.

Premier League giants target Gvardiol

According to Foot Mercato, as reported by the Daily Mail, Gvardiol's club RB Leipzig are preparing for a bidding war over the defender in the January window.

It is claimed that several Premier League sides have already submitted offers for the Croatian, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.

City are said to have offered Leipzig in excess of £85m for Gvardiol, with their bid including bonuses and a sell-on percentage.

Chelsea and United, meanwhile, are believed to have bid between £77m and £82m for the defender.

Chelsea reportedly made an approach for Gvardiol in the summer transfer window but failed to reach an agreement with Leipzig, who have been vindicated in their decision to keep hold of the Croatian.

Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also said to be interested in signing the defender.

What has Gvardiol said about his future?

When recently asked by The Athletic about a potential move to Chelsea, the RB Leipzig player replied: "About me and Chelsea? I don't know. You know what happened in the last few months. To be honest, I have no idea.

"My agent is taking care of this and we will see. Right now, I'm happy in Leipzig. I don't know, we will see – you never know. You know the stories and these things, but all I can say is that I'm happy in Leipzig and right now I'm going to stay there and perform for them.

"It's a big club of course and, who knows, maybe one day I will be there. It's really nice to see things like this, especially because there is [Mateo] Kovacic, so you never know. I talk with him.

"Even to be here on this, the biggest event, it's a big thing for me at 20 years old so I'm happy. I have to think about it."