Liverpool-linked defender and World Cup breakout star Josko Gvardiol has not 'offered his services' to Real Madrid ahead of a potential summer move, according to reports from Germany.
Gvardiol was named in the 2022 World Cup team of the tournament as helped Croatia reach the semi-final stages for the second time in succession. And the 21-year-old's performances in Qatar have seen him linked with moves to 'dream club' Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid from RB Leipzig.
However, according to BILD journalist Christian Falk, Gvardiol's future is far from decided. "The rumours that Josko Gvardiol has offered himself to Real Madrid are not true," wrote Falk in his CaughtOffisde column. "He’s very relaxed at the moment and the plan is that he should stay put until 2024. But, you know, his future can still be a topic up for discussion this summer."
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Prior to his rise to wider prominence during the winter World Cup, Gvardiol had spoken about his desire to play for Liverpool and in the Premier League, telling Croatian outlet 24Sata: “When I took football more seriously, I started following them, and I definitely want the Premier League and Liverpool.”
And Falk believes the Reds need for defensive reinforcements in the coming months, tied in with Gvardiol's affection for the club, could see him choose Anfield over the Bernabeu if the European giants - who meet in the Champions League later this month - make offers to Leipzig.
“I think it’s getting interesting in terms of what Liverpool and Chelsea are doing," added Falk. "Gvardiol has made no secret of the fact that his favourite club as a child was Liverpool and that he was always dreaming of moving there. When we see what is happening at Liverpool at the moment, it’s clear they need players in this position.
"He’s keeping an eye on the Premier League, of course. If Real Madrid come in, it’s also interesting for him but he hasn’t offered himself to the club. We have to also see if Real Madrid’s interest is serious. I’m not sure on that point as they’ve already got good players in this position, so I would keep on Premier League clubs at the moment.”
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