Manchester City are attempting to push through a deal for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol before Sunday’s Community Shield against Arsenal.
Tuesday brought fresh encouragement of an agreement being reached between the two clubs, with Red Bull supremo Oliver Mintzlaff – who heads up the energy drink giant’s entire sporting partnerships – leading the talks.
Mail Sport understands the fee for one of the most highly regarded young central defenders in Europe is likely come in at below Leipzig’s quoted £86million valuation.
Gvardiol has been tracked by City for months and negotiations took a significant step forward over the last 24 hours with the involvement of Mintzlaff.