Liverpool could potentially sign highly-rated RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol in the summer of 2024, according to journalist Christian Falk.

The Lowdown: Gvardiol magnificent at World Cup

The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the best young defenders in world football, following a superb 2022 World Cup for Croatia, in which he helped them finish third. That led to presenter Mark Chapman saying 'the world is at his (Gvardiol's) feet'.

The Leipzig sensation started all seven matches for his country in Qatar, averaging an incredible 5.3 clearances per game and scoring in the third-place playoff win over Morocco.

He is sure to be a wanted man across Europe, such is his potential, and he has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the recent past.

The Latest: Liverpool backed to make move

Speaking to Caught Offside, Falk claimed that the Reds could snap up Gvardiol next year, not being able to afford both him and Bellingham this summer:

"It would be good for Liverpool if Josko Gvardiol stays another season as they can’t do two transfers like Bellingham and Gvardiol – they’d have to pay about €100m,”

"Christopher Nkunku is going to Chelsea this summer, so Leipzig will be losing one player and getting a lot of money in return, which means there’s no need to sell another. There aren’t so many clubs that can pay the fee.

"If Liverpool fail to land Jude Bellingham and have the money free, they’ve shown previously that they’re willing to spend a lot of money on a defender.

"It could work out for Liverpool and it’s worth remembering that Jurgen Klopp is very aware of what’s happening in the Bundesliga, so I think he’d be keen.

"I believe Gvardiol would like to make the next step and will certainly consider his options if there’s an offer on the table. If a Premier League club wants to pay this kind of money in the summer, Leipzig’s position on the matter will change."

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The Verdict: Sign him in 2024?

Gvardiol looks like a genuine special centre-back, already performing at such a high and mature level, despite only just entering his 20s, so the idea of him in a Liverpool shirt of mouthwatering.

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Signing him in 2024 also sounds ideal for the Reds, with Jurgen Klopp already having four strong options currently but changes required once next year arrives.

Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip both turn 33 next year, and doubts remain over Joe Gomez's long-term worth after serious injury problems, so Gvardiol could be viewed as Ibrahima Konate's long-term partner at the back for Liverpool.