Report: Leeds to lose out to RB Leipzig in Josko Gvardiol race

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Leeds United may have made the biggest offer for Josko Gvardiol, but 24 Sata reports that the defender has chosen to join RB Leipzig, with the move set to become official in January.

Gvardiol has been heavily linked with a potential Elland Road switch for a number of weeks. The Daily Mail reported at the end of August that the Whites had opened talks with Dinamo Zagreb.

Since then, there seem to have been plenty of twists and turns. Unfortunately for Marcelo Bielsa’s side however, it now appears that they are going to have to look elsewhere.

Croatian outlet 24 Sata reports that Leeds made the largest offer for Gvardiol. They bid around £20.1 million and offered a 20 percent sell-on fee.

Meanwhile, Leipzig offered around £17.4 million for Gvardiol. But the youngster has decided that he wants to move to the Bundesliga, with the move set to become official in January.

It is claimed that Gvardiol will stay with Dinamo for now before signing a five-year deal in the new year.

TBR View: Blow for Leeds

With seven goals conceded in two games, Leeds fans will be keen to see their defensive ranks strengthened before the window shuts.

In fairness, Gvardiol looked to be a target for the future. He is playing first-team football with Dinamo. But it always looked as though the 18-year-old would initially have to bide his time before getting a chance under Bielsa.

Nevertheless, he would have provided a boost to the depth Leeds possess. And it would be no surprise if Whites fans are talking about him in years to come as one that got away.

But Bielsa and Victor Orta will still welcome what appears to be Gvardiol’s final decision – even if does mean that they now need to look elsewhere.