Tottenham and Newcastle target Josko Gvardiol is now set to be the subject of a €90m (£78m) bid from Real Madrid.
What’s the story?
Well, it was the Daily Mail who revealed that Newcastle are admirers of the Croatia international.
Elsewhere, Corriere dello Sport in Italy believe Tottenham will step up their pursuit of Gvardiol once the World Cup is over, with Antonio Conte desperate to sign the 20-year-old.
Now, however, Real Madrid are set to pose a massive threat to Spurs and the Magpies.
Alfredo Pedulla believes the Spanish giants have been left utterly convinced by Gvardiol as a result of his stunning displays, and are preparing to spend heavily on his signature.
The £78m offer was expected to be made at the end of the season, although Florentino Perez – President of Real Madrid – wants a deal closed now, with RB Leipzig set to demand €100m (£86m) for a January sale.
Pedulla adds that Real Madrid also want to sign Sandi Lovric.
Gvardiol has been immense so far in Qatar, helping Croatia book their place in the quarter-final on Monday with a penalty shootout win over Japan.
The RB Leipzig No.32’s performances led to Alan Shearer admitting that he would love to have the Croatian wonderkid at Newcastle, while Rio Ferdinand also showered the centre-back in praise.
Real Madrid might force Tottenham & Newcastle into action
In our view, Real Madrid’s £78m bid for Gvardiol could end up seeing Tottenham and Newcastle spring into action.
The Croatian is performing at a ridiculous level at the age of just 20, and could realistically become one of the best defenders on the planet, if not the best.
Real Madrid are clearly convinced, and the decision to bring forward their summer pursuit of Gvardiol could see Spurs and the Magpies get bidding in January as well.
Whatever happens, the Croatia World Cup star certainly won’t be cheap.
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