Manchester City are 'leading' the race for RB Leipzig sensation Josko Gvardiol as they identify him as a 'priority' signing.

The Lowdown: City make transfer plans...

The Premier League champions are already making transfer plans ahead of the summer window amid their chase for a third-successive domestic crown.

One of the major positions tipped to be strengthened in Pep Guardiola's side is central midfield with club captain Ilkay Gundogan looking set to leave on a Bosman as things stand.

However, the central defence is another area which could be reinforced, especially with Aymeric Laporte now linked to leaving Eastlands.

The Latest: City leading Gvardiol chase...

According to The Daily Mail, City are in fact 'leading' the chase for Gvardiol ahead of both Liverpool and Chelsea.

All three sides hold a serious interest in the Croatia international but it's City who are 'ready' to identify him as a 'priority signing'.

The Verdict: Phenomenal player...

Gvardiol's release clause of £98 million will kick in next year and he is set to cost a marquee price tag for any buyers.

That being said, the 21-year-old has undoubted quality, having recently starred at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and even gave City problems recently.

Gvardiol grabbed a goal in the first leg of Guardiola's last 16 Champions League tie against Leipzig, perhaps prompting the Spaniard to take further note Europe's most promising centre-back.

Called 'sensational' by members of the media for his exploits in recent months, the defensive starlet could end up being one of the biggest transfers of 2023.