MANCHESTER CITY have taken a step forward in the pursuit of Josko Gvardiol, according to reports.
That's after the Treble winners agreed personal terms with the RB Leipzig star.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Gvardiol is highly rated by City boss Pep Guardiola.
Now talks between the clubs are set to take place, with City offering a new bid of £77million, according to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Romano adds the German outfit hope to keep the defender - who penned a new deal until 2027 last September - and will not sell for less than £86million.
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This would blow the current world record for a defender, held by Manchester United's £80m purchase of Harry Maguire, out of the water.
SunSport reported in May how City were lining up a bid for the 21-year-old to bolster their ranks.
It was then reported on Friday that City were considering a move for Gvardiol if Aymeric Laporte declared his intention to leave.
Laporte, 29, is said to be open to leaving the Etihad.
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The Spaniard has been linked with transfers to both Barcelona and Tottenham.
He was spotted in a flood of tears during Man City's Premier League title celebrations, prompting fans to fear it may be his last season with them.
Laporte was limited to just 11 league starts last season, after falling behind the likes of Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji in Guardiola's pecking order.
The France-born ace joined Man City from Athletic Bilbao for £57m in January 2018.
Fans were given an insight into this personal life at his wedding after marrying long-term partner Sara Botello.
World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow
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