It has emerged that Erik ten Hag and Manchester United are 'highly involved' in the chase to land Croatia's coveted World Cup star Josko Gvardiol - less than 24 hours after he was lauded by former Old Trafford favourite Rio Ferdinand.
Gvardiol, 20, has been one of Croatia's standout players in Qatar and has played an instrumental role in their run to the quarter-finals. The centre-back has been an ever-present in a Croatia defence that has kept two clean sheets in four matches.
Even before the tournament, Gvardiol was one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe and had been linked with a host of top clubs; including Chelsea. But Gvardiol's burgeoning reputation has only been enhanced over the past fortnight - and the Blues could now face some stiff competition from their Premier League rivals.
According to a new report from Sky Sports Germany, United are firmly in the race to acquire Gvardiol's services. However, competition for the RB Leipzig defender's signature is likely to be fierce with Real Madrid and Barcelona also believed to be courting the youngster.
A move for Gvardiol would enable Ten Hag to continue rebuilding Manchester United's beleaguered defence; the Dutchman snapped up Lisandro Martinez in the summer in the wake of Harry Maguire's poor form and Raphael Varane's injury struggles.
While it remains to be seen if Ten Hag and United would be able to persuade Gvardiol to shun the overtures of some of Europe's biggest club to join the ambitious rebuilding project at Old Trafford, the Leipzig ace was given the ultimate seal of approval by Ferdinand on Monday night.
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The 44-year-old, who clocked up over 450 appearances during a trophy-laden stint at United, raved about the defender after Croatia booked their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals after edging past Japan on penalties.
"I have to say, he has been my favourite defender to watch in the tournament so far," Ferdinand told BBC Sport. "He has got a great presence, he is happy for the battles, very physical and has a wand for a left foot. He has got pace, too, and I think all those attributes you need as a modern-day defender.
"He can play the ball over various distances, he has pinpoint accuracy. He beats any type of press, is comfortable on either foot and is as comfortable with the ball at his feet as he is running out with it defensively. Also, the aggressiveness. He is willing to get forward, that youth, that fearlessness. He has quick enough feet for someone of his size.
"Everything about him for me has been so positive."
