Dinamo Zagreb's RB Leipzig loanee Josko Gvardiol aware of Leeds United's stature and outlines Premier League dream

Croatian under-21 centre-back Gvardiol was the subject of serious interest from Leeds this summer with the Whites hoping to sign the defender from Dinamo Zagreb to bolster their ranks in defence.

Gvardiol, though, turned down United's advances and instead opted for a move to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig who signed the 18-year-old defender before loaning him back to Dinamo Zagreb.

Leeds. meanwhile, then moved to sign Spanish international centre-back Diego Llorente from Real Sociedad.

Speaking to Croatian outlet Večernji List, Gvardiol said: “I had an agreement with agent Marjan Sisic to let me know the details when something is concrete and official, and Leeds’ (offer) was.

“I am aware of the size of that club, the English league and the offer that has arrived, but from the beginning I had some thoughts of my own – my development comes first.

“It is still my dream to play in England, but I want to get there completely prepared.

"Now I don’t think this was the time for that step yet and that weighed in the decision.

“When Dinamo accepted the offer of RB Leipzig I didn’t push too hard to go.

"Dinamo is my club, I am developing and I have everything I need here.

“But I am aware that Dinamo does not rely on sponsors, tickets and TV rights like clubs from the top five leagues do.

“And I knew the transfer was going to come sooner than I wanted to and I was preparing for it.

“That was primarily Leipzig’s wish (staying on loan at Dinamo), and I didn’t mind it. In fact, I cheered from inside for such an option.

"When I saw that (Zagreb boss) Zoran Mamic had nothing against it, we all agreed that it would be the case.”

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Thank you Laura Collins