Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is confident that RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol will “become one of the best defenders in the world” following his performances for Croatia at the World Cup.

The 20-year-old played a pivotal role in helping his country to the semi-finals of the competition and, despite a disappointing display against Argentina, Ferdinand says the defender has all the attributes to make it at the highest level:

“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. He is really good on the ball, in the early stages coming out with the ball a lot. Against [Lionel] Messi and Argentina he got turned quite a few times, but this is Messi so I would put that to one side. 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.”

United are believed to be among at least three Premier League teams pursuing Gvardiol, along with rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.

There had been reports that the centre-half had a relatively low release clause but it has since been revealed his buyout fee is €112m (£98.5m) and it can only be triggered in the summer of 2024. Leipzig are, therefore, likely to hold out for a sizeable fee for the player.

With United already having the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire in the squad, it’s unlikely that they would consider splashing out on Gvardiol.