Liverpool are unlikely to win the race for RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol this summer, according to a report.
The Croatia international has quickly become one of the most in-demand centre-backs in Europe thanks to a string of standout performances for both club and country in the past 12 months.
Already a regular fixture for his national team, Gvardiol was a key cog in Croatia's run to the bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup, scoring in their third-placed playoff win over Morocco.
The 21-year-old also has three goals to his name from 30 games in a Leipzig shirt this term, including the equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City during the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie three weeks ago.
Die Roten Bullen fought tooth and nail to keep Gvardiol at the club amid interest from Chelsea last year, and they succeeded in tying him down to a new contract until the summer of 2027.
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Despite those fresh terms, the Bundesliga side are braced for numerous bids for the Croatian defender in the upcoming window, and Liverpool - who Gvardiol recently labelled his "dream club" - have been strongly credited with an interest amid a possible defensive reshuffle.
Joel Matip and Nat Phillips could both be on their way out when the season comes to a close, while Virgil van Dijk has also come under fire for a decline in his performances this season.
However, The Athletic states that while Gvardiol is admired by members of the Liverpool hierarchy, they are not actively pursuing a deal for the former Dinamo Zagreb youngster.
The Reds supposedly made contact over a move in January, but the report adds that bolstering the midfield is more of a priority for Jurgen Klopp's side heading into the 2023-24 season, although they could still bring in another centre-back to provide extra cover.
Gvardiol's price tag and the competition for his signature means that the Croatian is unlikely to become a serious summer option, though, as Liverpool focus their resources on Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.
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Gvardiol is said to possess a £97m release clause in his contract with Leipzig, but it will not become active until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
The centre-back arrived in Germany for €18.8m (£16.6m) from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2021, and he won the DFB-Pokal in his debut season at the Red Bull Arena.
Gvardiol boasts a total of five goals and four assists from 76 games for Leipzig in all tournaments, and he is expected to start tonight's Champions League last-16 second leg against Man City at the Etihad.
The Premier League champions are also understood to be keeping tabs on Gvardiol's future, while Chelsea and Real Madrid are also expected to battle for his services.
Chelsea, who have already agreed to sign Christopher Nkunku from Leipzig this summer, tried and failed to bring Gvardiol to England last year, but the defender has since announced his desire to compete in the Premier League.
Ben Knapton
