Manchester United are ‘highly involved’ in the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Gvardiol at World Cup

Gvardiol is currently in Qatar at the World Cup, with the Croatia international helping his country into the quarter-finals by playing every possible minute of action.

The 20-year-old will now be preparing for a quarter-final tie against Brazil on Friday, but his domestic future has been a hot topic of conversation in recent days.

The Latest: United interest

Plettenberg took to Twitter on Monday evening to share ‘news’ on Gvardiol.

He said that the defender actually doesn’t have a release clause in his contract and name-checked United alongside the likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race for his services.

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“News Gvardiol: We’ve been told: NO release clause in his contract until 2027. But lots of top clubs informed about him for 2023. CFC, MUFC, Real and Barcelona highly involved. For Tuchel he was the main target. Boehly also focused on him. NO contact with Bayern.”

The Verdict: One to watch?

Hailed as a 'beast' and 'one of the most talented' defenders in European football by writer Manuel Veth, Gvardiol is showcasing his ability on the world stage.

Erik ten Hag’s side have conceded 20 goals in 14 Premier League games so far this season – the second most in the top eight.

He has a number of senior centre-back options at this moment in time but appears to favour Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, so Gvardiol could come in and rival the duo or provide a long-term partner for Martinez, but United may need to pip multiple European giants to his services.