Manchester City set Josko Gvardiol deadline as RB Leipzig want record £86m deal for defender concluded by start of Premier League season

RB Leipzig want a conclusion to Manchester City’s pursuit of Josko Gvardiol by the start of the Premier League season.

City had identified the Croatia international as a primary target months ago and the central defender is keen to seal a switch to the Etihad Stadium.

The two clubs, who faced each other in last season’s Champions League, remain in negotiations over the structure of a deal that is expected to set a new world record for a defender.

Leipzig want £86million for Gvardiol – which equates to €100m – but are ready to set a deadline on the transfer for fear of it dragging on further.

City are set to launch another bid in the hope of pushing a move through for a youngster who will add quality on the left side of their defence, with Aymeric Laporte still looking to leave.

RB Leipzig director Max Eberl claims no agreement has been made with Gvardiol and City 

The Bundesliga side, who are open to selling the 21-year-old, need a replacement and are eyeing both Lyon’s Castello Lukeba and Lutsharel Geertruida of Feyenoord.

City have signed just Mateo Kovacic so far this summer with outside interest in a host of others, including Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker, while Riyad Mahrez is set to be announced as a Al-Ahli player for £30m.

Bayern Munich could not wrap up the signing of Walker while both clubs were in Tokyo and the England international travelled to South Korea with City.

Leipzig face Bayern in the German Super Cup on August 12 and Marco Rose wants his squad set before that date – the same weekend as City kick off their Premier League campaign at Burnley.

Guardiola warned that City will not be at their best when the Community Shield comes around a week on Sunday, although Phil Foden has already impressed during their pre-season tour in Asia.

Foden has been operating centrally behind Erling Haaland, a role that was always viewed as his destiny, and the academy graduate believes that could unlock more of his potential.

Foden, who doesn’t know if a central berth is permanent, has spent much of his City career so far out on either flank.

‘It’s a role where there’s a lot more to my game,’ he said. ‘I’d be able to show people a lot more what I can do. I’d be on the ball more, always involved. I think there’s a lot more responsibility in that role.

City boss Pep Guardiola believes Gvardiol will add quality on the left side of their defence 

‘Erling’s always got great runs and great movement. He wants feeding early and in behind as he’s always going to win the race with the defender.

‘It’s about picking up on those things when I’m in there. I’ve not played there for a long time but the more I play there I will get used to it and start learning the role.

‘A lot of defensive responsibilities – a lot more things to learn. I played there when I was younger so I feel I can do that role if he wants me there. I’m just looking forward to seeing where he plays me.

‘I think the manager has seen my goal threat and he’s wanted me to play further forward.’