Out of time? Man City sent warning over proposed record-breaking transfer for Josko Gvardiol by RB Leipzig

Pep Guardiola wants the central defender to shore up his defence but saw a bid worth £77million ($99m) rejected earlier this summer as the Bundesliga side want at least £86m ($109.95). According to the Manchester Evening News, Leipzig have now set a deadline for City to complete the deal and they want to wrap up the transfer before they play Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup on August 12.

Leipzig are keen to complete the deal within the stipulated date because they want to sign a replacement before the transfer window slams shut on September 1. It has been reported that the club has already identified Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geeryruida as the replacement, should Gvardiol leave, and are ready to pay the €40m (£34.30/$43.84) demanded by the Dutch outfit.

Leipzig are also monitoring Lyon defender Castello Lukeba as a backup since they remain confident that they can reach an agreement with Man City over the transfer of Gvardiol. It is believed that they need more funds to balance their books in spite of selling Dominik Szoboszlai to Liverpool for a whopping £60m ($76m).

Gvardiol is currently in Italy with the rest of the Leipzig squad where they are training ahead of the 2023-24 season. He will be in action against Las Palmas in their last pre-season friendly on August 5.