Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has quipped his former side should try to beat Premier League rivals Chelsea to acquire the services of 20-year-old Croatian international Joško Gvardiol after his impressive performances at the 2022 World Cup.
The centre-back has arguably been Croatia's player of the tournament so far after they reached the quarter final stage yesterday having beaten Japan 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal and extra time.
It was thought that the Blues would find a way to bring him to Stamford Bridge after new owner Todd Boehly's arrival in the summer but it was decided he'd remain at RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga - where he's already made close to 70 appearances in just two seasons.
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However, it's believed Chelsea still hold an interest in the youngster after the appointment of Graham Potter and the club's investment in young talent like Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei.
Now Shearer has given his thoughts on a potential destination for the Croatian and whether his next move could be to St James' Park. Speaking on the BBC's coverage of Croatia match against Japan on Monday, he said: "He would look good in a black and white shirt wouldn’t he?"
Gvardiol's tackle in their final group stage game to deny Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku from scoring may have kept Croatia in the tournament which earned him praise from former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.
"He’s been my favourite defender to watch in the tournament so far," he said. "He’s got great presence, happy for the battle, physical, and got a wand of a left foot. He’s got pace as well, and I think all those attributes are what you need as a modern-day defender.
"The ball comes out to him and straight away he gets it on his left foot, can play the ball various distances with pinpoint accuracy. Straight through the lines, beats any kind of press, comfortable on either foot. As comfortable as he is with the ball at his feet passing he’s also comfortable running out with it.
"But also the aggressiveness, that nature again to come out, but not just finish it there. Burst out, look at the pace, willing to get forward. That youth, fearlessness, and quick enough feet for someone of his size. Everything about him, for me, has been so positive. Defending the front post, we don’t see enough of that. Most defenders get that wrong, and that [tackle on Lukaku] was the tackle of the tournament."
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