Real Madrid are ready to open a bidding war for Chelsea transfer target Josko Gvardiol.
The RB Leipzig defender has been starring for Croatia at the World Cup in Qatar and a host of top European clubs are now set to battle to sign him.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for Gvardiol but Real Madrid, Manchester City and Barcelona are also interested in the 20-year-old.
Scouts from clubs around Europe will be watching Gvardiol when he lines up for Croatia against Brazil in their World Cup quarter-final on Friday.
But reports in Spain claim Real Madrid are preparing a bid of around £78million to steal a march on their rivals in the race to sign one of the biggest prospects in world football.
Gvardiol’s agent has said the Croatia star is in no rush to leave Leipzig.
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany earlier this week, Marjan Sisic said: “Regarding a possible transfer in the summer of 2023 we are not in a hurry.
“I can also make it clear that there are no pre-agreements with any clubs. For sure, a lot of top clubs are informed about him but Josko has a long-term contract in Leipzig.
“Josko feels totally happy in Leipzig. His development is amazing and RB are playing very well under Marco Rose.”
