Man City 'are keen on signing RB Leipzig defender Gvardiol if Laporte leaves'

RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol is top of Manchester City's list of targets should Aymeric Laporte leave the club this summer.

Mail Sport revealed in April that City will not stand in Laporte's way if he seeks a move elsewhere in the window.

The Spaniard had been a regular in the City team but saw himself fall out of the first XI last season, starting just 11 Premier League games and none of their knockout ties in Europe.

Pep Guardiola's side went on to win the Treble and they are looking to sell and bring in another top defender.

And Gvardiol, regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe, is the one they have their eyes on, according to ESPN.

Sources have told them that RB Leipzig could ask for a transfer fee as high as £85m because Gvardiol only signed a new deal in September and is under contract until 2027.

The 21-year-old, who can operate at centre half and left back, would solve some problems for Guardiola.

There have been reports in Germany that Leipzig may have to sell star names this summer in order to raise finance, although the sporting director Max Eberl denied they are struggling to comply with Financial Fair Play.

Chelsea have also scouted Gvardiol, whose performances at the World Cup only enhanced an already burgeoning reputation.