Liverpool have reportedly cooled their interest in RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.
With Joel Matip's future at the club shrouded in uncertainty, Liverpool are expected to strengthen their backline in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool were believed to be one of several top European clubs that were keeping tabs on the young centre-back.
Gvardiol is regarded as a key figure in the Leipzig side, having made 36 competitive appearances this term, chipping in with three goals.
The 21-year-old also played every minute of Croatia's 2022 World Cup campaign, helping his country to finish in third place.
Following his impressive performances for club and country, Gvardiol was supposedly at the top of Liverpool's wishlist.
However, according to Football Insider, the Reds have cooled their interest and no longer consider Gvardiol to be a priority target.
The report claims that Liverpool have been put off by Leipzig's financial demands, with the German club looking to receive £80m including add-ons and bonuses.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with the Croatia international, but they also believe that Leipzig's asking price is unrealistic.
Leipzig could still receive offers for Gvardiol this summer, with Manchester City and Real Madrid both showing an interest in the defender.
Chelsea are also believed to be in the race after they failed in their bid to sign Gvardiol last summer.
Leipzig rejected Chelsea's approach and subsequently agreed a new contract with Gvardiol, which runs until June 2027.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will turn their attention to other defensive targets, including Eintracht Frankfurt's Evan Ndicka.
A recent report claimed that the Reds are set to battle Tottenham Hotspur for the 23-year-old, who will be available on a free transfer this summer. body check tags ::
