Josko Gvardiol explains decision to turn down Leeds United after sealing RB Leipzig transfer

Josko Gvardiol says the option to remain at Dimano Zagreb for a season played a key factor in opting against a move to Leeds United.

The highly-rated 18-year-old defender was subject to serious interest from the Elland Road club this summer with United keen on acquiring his services.

Gvardiol, though, turned down a switch to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa's stewardship in favour of a move to Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

The deal - reported to be worth around the $19million mark - will see the Croatia Under-21 international return to his hometown club on loan for the current campaign.

Gvardiol has now admitted that after putting pen to paper on a five-year deal in Germany the chance to spend another campaign with Dinamo played a major role in his decision against a transfer to England.

"The reason was that they gave me an option to stay at Dinamo for a bit longer," he said, via Croatian Scout.

"I think it was too early to go to England, one of the strongest leagues in the world. So staying at Dinamo will contribute to my development in general.

"The agreement goes in my favour. I hope it will be beneficial to me to prepare for a top-five league, the Bundesliga."

He added, telling the RB Leipzig website: "It was important for me to join a club that could enable me to take the next steps as a professional footballer and as a young player. That is exactly what RB Leipzig embodies.

"The club has proven time and again how well you can develop and improve here. I'm very grateful to Dinamo Zagreb for making this jump possible."

After missing out on Gvardiol, United moved quickly to land Diego Llorente from Real Sociedad on a four-year deal last week.

The 27-year-old centre-back joined defender Robin Koch and fellow Spain international Rodrigo in making the switch to West Yorkshire this summer.

United are also closing in on the signature of Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Cuisance and want to add a winger to their ranks ahead of next week's transfer deadline.