Man City 'close to £86m signing' after abandoning Declan Rice deal to save cash

Josko Gvardiol was in action for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)

Manchester City are ready to improve their Treble-winning squad by securing the signing of RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol.

The 21-year-old central defender has made 88 appearances for the club since leaving boyhood side Dinamo Zagreb in 2020 - and is one of the most highly-rated young stars on the planet.

A 21-cap Croatia international, Gvardiol could be on his way to the Premier League this summer after the latest update from his club chairman.

RB Leipzig director Max Eberl said: "I can confirm that Josko Gvardiol and agents told us about their desire to move to Manchester City."

In addition, The Times report that City are closing in on a deal for Gvardiol - which would make him the most expensive defender in the world.

The sim of £86million would surpass what Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire, while giving stern competition to the likes of John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Manuel Akanji.

The left-footed centre back, who has also played at left-back in the past, has been the target of several high-profile clubs in recent seasons.

However, he had a game to forget when taking on City last season as Erling Haaland scored five-goals in a 7-0 defeat at the Etihad.

The desire of the player to join City will be key for negotiations, with his contract running until the summer of 2027.

City have plenty of time to get a deal done with the transfer window not closing until 11pm on September 1.

City have also saved cash by choosing not to pursue a move for West Ham skipper Declan Rice after having a bid worth up to £90m rejected.

City CEO Ferran Sorriano then said: "We are not the top net-spenders of last year or the last three or five years. We have a platform where we know what to do and we can do it with time and intelligence.

"When we don't like a deal, we walk away and we don't panic."