Tottenham Hotspur have been backed to win the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol by pundit Frank McAvennie.
The Lowdown: Tottenham's Gvardiol interest
After a very impressive World Cup with national side Croatia, Gvardiol has emerged as one of the most sought-after young defenders in the world, with Tuttosport detailing that Tottenham are one of the clubs who are currently interested.
However, there are thought to be many suitors across the continent, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Manchester City all said to have the centre-back on their radar.
The latter have taken it one step further by submitting a bid worth £87m, and they are willing to increase that offer to £110m, as per the Daily Mirror (via Sky Sports), but McAvennie still believes that Tottenham could be a more attractive proposition...
The Latest: Spurs > City?
In an interview with Football Insider, McAvennie points towards a potential lack of game time at City as a reason why the Croatian could instead opt for a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
“I can tell you right now that is what Tottenham need.
“They should spend that money on a centre-half. I think they have been lacking in those positions.
“I do not know if I would want to go to Man City. He will be in and out.
“They have got some good players at City and there are already three or four top players fighting for two positions there. Why would another want to go into the mix?
“If he thinks he can go there and nail down a place then fair enough. But I would want to leave after a year if I could not get a place.“
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-3/" title="Tottenham latest news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]
The Verdict: Amazing if possible
Given that Man City are not averse to spending big money on talented players, as highlighted by them breaking the British transfer record to bring Jack Grealish to the club in a £100m deal, it would be very hard for Spurs to compete for Gvardiol.
McAvennie makes the point that the 6 foot enforcer may not receive enough game time at City, however that is not likely to be the case, given his 'superb' form (Henry Winter - The Times).
The 20-year-old featured in all seven matches for his country in Qatar, and was a key factor in his side achieving a third-placed finish, scoring a goal and recording a 91% pass accuracy in a 2-1 victory against Morocco.
If Antonio Conte was provided with the funds to sign the colossus, he would prove to be an amazing signing, however it is unlikely that Spurs will be able to compete with Manchester City.