Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol has refused to rule out a possible move to Chelsea despite previously admitting his love for Liverpool as a boy.
RB Leipzig centre-back Gvardiol is enjoying a stellar World Cup, helping to guide his national team into the last-16. Notable for his distinctive black facemask, the 20-year-old was rock-solid at the back alongside former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren as opponents Belgium were eliminated from the tournament after a goalless draw 0-0 draw.
Gvardiol has previously revealed his admiration for Liverpool and spoken about how he would follow them from a distance with his father, harbouring hopes of representing the club.
READ MORE: 'Edge of my seat' - Four Liverpool talents detailed as exciting winger ready for 'big step'
READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold hits back at 'lazy' defensive critics with defiant message
Despite his clear affinity for Liverpool it is Premier League rivals Chelsea who he has been strongly linked with - a move that would create a link-up with compatriot Mateo Kovacic - and when quizzed on a possible switch to Stamford Bridge by The Athletic, he did little to dampen the speculation.
Gvardiol said: “About me and Chelsea? I don’t know. You know what happened in the last few months. To be honest, I have no idea. My agent is taking care of this and we will see. Right now, I’m happy in Leipzig. I don’t know, we will see – you never know.
“You know the stories and these things, but all I can say is that I’m happy in Leipzig and right now I’m going to stay there and perform for them. It’s a big club of course and, who knows, maybe one day I will be there. It’s really nice to see things like this, especially because there is Kovacic, so you never know. I talk with him.
“Even to be here on this, the biggest event, it’s a big thing for me at 20 years old so I’m happy. I have to think about it.”
Gvardiol's admission comes after he admitted he wanted to play for Liverpool. Speaking about his affinity to the Reds, he told Croatian news outlet 24Sata : "Since I was a little boy, my dad and I watched Liverpool matches, and I grew up with only them.”
“When I took football more seriously, I started following them, and I definitely want the Premier League and Liverpool.”
Gvardiol will be back in action on Monday when Croatia face Japan in their round-of-16 match.
READ NEXT:
- 'It was not an accident' - What Luis Suarez did that enrages Ghana 12 years later
- Why 'bitterly disappointed' John Henry may have already hinted at Liverpool sale as £2.8bn plan hit
- Liverpool keeping close tabs on Rangers as multi-million pound windfall hangs in balance
- Liverpool players begged Jurgen Klopp to sign midfielder but little did they know
- Inside story on the Liverpool transfer strategy that's brought £90m boost
