Tottenham are reportedly pressing to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig in 2023.

The Lowdown: Gvardiol at the World Cup

Hailed as a 'beast' and 'one of the most talented' defenders in European football by writer Manuel Veth, Gvardiol is currently in Qatar at the World Cup.

The Croatia international has helped his country into the last 16, playing every minute of action in the three group games, with his side conceding just once.

The 20-year-old appears to be attracting plenty of interest, with Spurs seemingly one of the clubs keen on his services.

The Latest: Gvardiol transfer update

Corriere dello Sport provided an update regarding Gvardiol’s future on Saturday, where Tottenham were named. They claimed that Spurs and Chelsea are pressing to sign the centre-back, with Real Madrid also keeping an eye on the situation.

Leipzig would want between €70m and €80m (£60m-£68.5m), which would make him Spurs’ all-time record signing, should a transfer materialise in that price range.

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The Verdict: He is needed

Antonio Conte seemingly wants to bolster his defensive ranks in the New Year, with links to Inter Milan pair Stefan de Vrij and Milan Skriniar continuing in recent weeks.

Spurs have conceded 21 times in 15 Premier League games – the most out of any team in the top eight – so landing a marquee defender like Gvardiol could help to firm things up in both the short-term and long run.

It looks as if Tottenham will need to pip rivals Chelsea to a potential record deal, though, so this will be one to watch heading into the New Year as Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy aim to strengthen Conte's ranks.