Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed there is a big battle between clubs to land Josko Gvardiol – someone Alan Shearer wants Newcastle United to sign.
Gvardiol was one of the standout performers at the World Cup as the 20-year-old starred for Croatia, and Newcastle legend Shearer has insisted ‘he’d look good in a black and white shirt’.
Meanwhile, the Toon reportedly had him on their shortlist earlier this year and the Chronicle recently featured the defender as someone Eddie Howe ‘could consider‘ off the back of this winter’s tournament.
The Croatian centre-back has been heavily linked with a move away from RB Leipzig in 2023, with clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester City heavily tipped to sign the youngster, but Newcastle may fancy their chances if they take Shearer’s recent comments on board by reigniting their previous interest.
Speaking about the defender’s future, Romano has admitted on the House of Champions YouTube channel that clubs are set for a major battle in the new year to land Gvardiol.
Could Newcastle sign Gvardiol?
Yes!
No!
He said: “Many top clubs want him. There is a big battle for Josko Gvardiol, there are contacts ongoing. I think in a few days or weeks, the situation will be clear because Chelsea are working on it since August.”
TIF Thoughts on Gvardiol…
We think Shearer is correct that one of the best young defenders in world football would look good in the famous Toon shirt, but given clubs such as Chelsea and Man City are keen on him, Newcastle are arguably well down the pecking order. He isn’t the only one who thinks highly of the defender as Jamie Carragher said he’s ‘going to be a superstar’.
While signing Gvardiol would be a huge statement of intent from PIF, centre-back isn’t necessarily a position they need to improve immediately, with players such as Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn capable of playing in the heart of the defence and performing well.
It has been reported that RB Leipzig will look to receive around £45m for the Croatian they only signed in 2021 for £15m, which would be very efficient business from the German side.