RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose has ruled out the possibility of star defender Josko Gvardiol leaving the club this summer amid interest from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.
The 21-year-old has established himself as one of the best young defenders in world football, elevating his game to new heights for club and country in recent seasons.
The Croatia international, who helped his nation finish third at the 2022 World Cup, was initially sent back on loan to Dinamo Zagreb as soon as he joined Leipzig on a permanent deal in 2020, but he has since developed into a first-team regular for the German outfit.
Gvardiol has already made 73 appearances across all competitions for Leipzig, scoring four goals including the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at home against Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Even though Gvardiol is under contract at the Red Bull Arena until June 2027, a host of top European clubs are believed to be interested in his services ahead of the summer transfer window including Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
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The defender recently sparked speculation that he could soon be on the move to England after publicly expressing his desire to play in the Premier League.
Speaking to The Times about turning down Leeds United in favour of joining Leipzig in 2020, Gvardiol said: "I had two options, between Leeds and Leipzig. [Marcelo] Bielsa was the coach and I don't know if you know this but my goal in my career is to play in the Premier League.
"I didn't speak with Bielsa but of course he sends a few people and they came to Zagreb. I met these guys and they show me it was something like a plan how they see me in their style of football. I mean, when they presented it everything looked good and you could maybe see yourself there in that moment.
"I knew that I needed to take a few steps more before I get [to the Premier League] one day. At the end Leipzig is a really good club and I feel good here. It's important I play almost every game."
In response to those comments, Leipzig boss Rose has insisted that the talented youngster will not be leaving the club in the summer transfer window.
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Speaking to reporters, as quoted by talkSPORT, after Leipzig's draw with Man City, Rose said: "Josko Gvardiol will be an RB Leipzig player next season.
"I am the coach and I am asking for that. He is happy here. He said he wants to play in the Premier League but he didn't say when."
Previous reports have suggested that Leipzig may consider entertaining offers in the region of £75m for Gvardiol, but according to Forbes, the defender has a €110m (£96.9m) release clause in his contract, and that clause is due to expire in 2024.
Gvardiol is currently focused on helping Leipzig challenge for the Bundesliga title, with Rose's side sitting in fifth place and just four points behind joint leaders Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin.
Oliver Thomas
