Liverpool 'well placed' to sign 'the world's best centre-back' Josko Gvardiol

Liverpool are 'well placed' to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol this summer, according to the latest reports.

Liverpool are currently languishing in sixth place in the Premier League, seven points outside the Champions League places, albeit with two games in hand over fourth-placed Tottenham.

Their European hopes are all that remain after being dumped from the Champions League by Real Madrid, along with both domestic cup competitions by Brighton and Manchester City respectively.

Their poor form has left Jurgen Klopp with little choice but to reinvest in the the squad this summer, with a new central defender high up on his shopping list.

One of the names rumoured with a move to Anfield is Gvardiol, who has established himself as one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe, having shone in the Bundesliga and Champions League this term.

Liverpool 'well placed' to sign Gvardiol

The Reds are in the running to sign Gvardiol this summer, claim told Football Insider.

The Croatia international is seen as an ideal partner for Virgil van Dijk, with Klopp pushing the board to splash the cash this summer.

However, they are likely to face strong competition, with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid all allegedly keen on Gvardiol.

To help free up their budget, Liverpool are willing to part ways with 31-year-old central defender Joel Matip, who has made just 11 Premier League appearances this season.

The report states that Liverpool will listen to offers of up to £15 million for the Cameroon international.

Gvardiol has a release clause of £97million attached to his contract, per the Daily Mail.

Therefore the young defender is expected to be at the centre of a mass bidding war, with a number of teams eager to avoid paying the fee next summer, when his contract is due to expire.

Zlatkic: Gvardiol is the best in the world

The former Dinamo Zagreb star was branded "the best centre-back in the world" by Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic.

Gvardiol announced himself on the world stage in Qatar, helping his side to a third-place finish at the World Cup.

Speaking after his side's goalless draw against Belgium, which sealed their place in the knockout rounds, Dalic stated: “Josko Gvardiol is the best centre-back in the world.

"To play this maturely, it’s amazing. The way he plays, with the elegance he carries the ball,” he added.

Topics: Josko Gvardiol, Liverpool, Transfers, Football, Jurgen Klopp

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno