Liverpool have reportedly shown the 'greatest interest' in signing RB Leipzig and Croatia central defender Josko Gvardiol.

The Lowdown: World Cup star

Gvardiol has been a star for Croatia at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, having played in every single minute of the tournament on the way to his country reaching the semi-finals, where they were eventually knocked out 3-0 by Argentina.

His performances have been so impressive, with journalist Zach Lowy deeming him the 'best player on the pitch' when Croatia knocked out Belgium in the group stages, labelling him 'sensational' and a 'Rolls-Royce'.

Nonetheless, Gvardiol is sure to attract plenty of suitors when the January transfer window comes along.

The Latest: Liverpool show 'greatest interest'

As per transfer expert Rudy Galetti, the Anfield outfit have shown the 'greatest interest' in Gvardiol, despite reported interest from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid:

"Liverpool is the club that - to date - shown the greatest interest in Gvardiol. The contract of the centre-back with RB Leipzig was extended in September and expires in 2027."

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The Verdict: Van Dijk successor?

At just 20 years of age, Gvardiol is a player who could take on the baton from Virgil van Dijk, who turns 32 in July.

Aside from his World Cup heroics, he has also established himself as a key player at Bundesliga heavyweights RB Leipzig, having played 65 times for them over the last two seasons, including ten appearances in the UEFA Champions League (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as a 'beast' by Bundesliga journalist Manuel Veth, Gvardiol ranks in the 99th percentile for passes attempted and dribbles completed of all centre-backs in Europe's top five leagues over the last year, as well as in the 95th for progressive passes and 89th for shot-creating actions (FBRef), showing how much of an attacking threat that he can possess as well as defensively being solid.

Nonetheless, with other big clubs sniffing around for his signature, signing him would be a real coup for the Reds.