Klopp told elite £98m-rated star wants to join Liverpool as Fabrizio Romano paves way for blockbuster deal

After signing for RB Leipzig in the summer of 2020, he has already been rewarded with a new contract with the Bundesliga outfit.

And his new deal reportedly includes a release clause set at £98million.

According to Sky Sports, however, this won’t become active until summer 2024.

As a result, a group of clubs, including Liverpool, will be looking to step in and sign the player for significantly less this summer.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United are also among his suitors. However, it looks like the Merseysiders could have a huge advantage as the player has previously admitted a fondness for Liverpool.

“Since I was a little boy, my father and I watched Liverpool games and grew up with them,” Gvardiol previously told Croatian outlet 24Sata.

“As I got more serious about football, I started following them. And I really want the Premier League and Liverpool.”

Now those prospects seem to have taken another huge leap forward thanks to Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking to his YouTube channel, Romano insists Liverpool are very much into his signing. “Keep an eye on Josko Gvardiol too, because a lot of top clubs are watching him,” he said.

“Chelsea already wanted him last summer, Manchester City and Liverpool are also keeping an eye on him. There is a lot of interest, but nothing will be decided in February or March. It will take time.”

Gvardiol is likely to set a new all-time high for a defender

Whichever club brings Gvardiol this summer will likely have to break the world record for a defender.

This currently corresponds to the £80m Manchester United paid Leicester for Harry Maguire. Van Dijk, at £75m, is just behind.

However, those Roten Bulls are tough negotiators and will only let their leading man walk away at a serious price.

As a result, Romano predicts that any switch to Gvardiol will likely lead to a new world record for a defender.

“We know Leipzig want to make Gvardiol their most expensive centre-back ever,” he said. “This is a crucial point in the story. Liverpool are undergoing a major rebuild after a season of struggles

“Many clubs are watching him. Liverpool have also sent their scouts several times in recent months to monitor the player. So keep an eye on this situation.”

Gvardiol was on Wednesday’s scoresheet as Leipzig secured a 1-1 draw in the first knockout round first leg against Man City in the Champions League.

And the Croatian, who once refused to move to Leeds, will be looking to impress in the second leg at the Etihad next month.