CHELSEA transfer target Josko Gvardiol has dealt them a huge blow by revealing he is happy to stay at RB Leipzig long-term.
The Croatian defender, 20, was already on the wishlists of a number of Premier League clubs thanks to his stellar displays in the Bundesliga.
However, his stock soared even higher thanks to his standout performances for Croatia at the World Cup.
Chelsea had a bid rejected in the summer but plan to go back in for Gvardiol at the end of the season - that is despite just spending £35million on Benoit Badiashile.
Tottenham are also interested while Man City boss Pep Guardiola is said to be keen to bring the ex-Dinamo Zagreb ace to the Etihad.
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However, Leipzig’s director of sport Max Eberl claimed at the weekend: “We are not interested in giving up Josko Gvardiol in the summer.”
And now the star himself has appeared to rule out an exit at the end of the season.
He said: “My plan is to stay here. I think everyone saw Max Eberl's statement. That's OK for me.”
Meanwhile, Gvardiol recently revealed his “dream club” in the Premier League - and it was bad news for the Blues, Spurs and City.
The 19-cap international said: “My dream club? That would definitely be Liverpool.
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“Since I was little, I watched a lot of their matches with my dad.
“We covered every season in detail. It is a club that has remained in my heart.”
