“My favourite centre-back at the World Cup”- Chelsea given ringing endorsement of 20-year-old target by Man United legend

Rio Ferdinand heaps praise on Chelsea target and RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol

Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on RB Leipzig and Croatia centre-back Josko Gvardiol amid interest from Chelsea. The United legend called the 20-year-old his “favourite” defender at the World Cup.

Gvardiol impressed everyone with his phenomenal performances in Qatar. At just 20, the centre-back was the leading figure at the back for his country, helping them finish third after they beat Morocco 2-1.

Chelsea have long been linked with a move for the centre-back. Some reports claimed the Blues had agreed on a fee for the defender during the summer, however, such speculations were denied later on.

Now, speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE YouTube channel (h/t Express), the former Red Devils legend had nothing but praise for the young centre-back.

“Gvardiol I think was my favourite centre-back at the World Cup. He’s young, he’s 20 years old, to come and perform the way he did, so mature, so calm. In general, I thought he was [a] stand-out for me. I think he has got a chance to go on and become one of the best defenders in the world, if he can continue improving like this.”

Graham Potter and co are likely to be busy again next month, after already spending some good money during the summer to reinforce their backline. The Blues bought in the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella during the summer.

Despite having such quality defenders, the Blues have been leaky at the back. We have one of the worst defence in the top 10 this season and it looks like Potter is desperate to fix this leak. Gvardiol has had long interest from the west London club and it is expected they will make a move for him again in the January window.

However, the Blues will not be alone in their pursuit. Giants Real Madrid and Manchester City also have taken up an interest in the defender and all three clubs are likely to go out and try sealing the deal for the defender next month.

Chelsea will hope that they have some advantage over their rivals, having hired former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell as their own. The Blues will hope that they can use his relationship with his former side to give them an advantage during the negotiations.

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Gvardiol has also been in fine form in the Bundesliga this season and will not come cheap. Adding the 20-year-old will no doubt be an upgrade to our backline and it remains to be seen if the west London club can seal the deal for him next month.