Hugo Viana confident over Josko Gvardiol contract renewal and Manchester City stay | OneFootball

Manchester City are feeling positive in talks over a new contract with Josko Gvardiol amid growing confidence the Croatian will stay put, as per reports.

The update represents a significant development in one of the summer’s most closely watched contract situations, with talks over an extension progressing well despite reports from Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti earlier this week claiming Gvardiol wanted to leave the club following Pep Guardiola‘s departure as manager.

Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have all been linked with the 24-year-old defender in recent months, though City have maintained throughout that they have no intention of selling.

City director of football Hugo Viana has made Gvardiol’s renewal one of his most pressing priorities this summer, having already tabled a lucrative long-term contract offer to the versatile star that would hand him a substantial pay rise.

Report: Positivity from City hierarchy on Gvardiol renewal

As reported by BBC Sport’s Shamoon Hafez, Manchester City are feeling positive in conversations around a new contract for Gvardiol, with positivity from the club’s hierarchy that he will remain at the club and talks over an extension progressing well.

The update directly contradicts the narrative that has built around Gvardiol’s future in the opening weeks of the summer, with Sportske Novosti having claimed the defender’s desire to leave was driven primarily by Guardiola’s exit.

It would be no exaggeration to suggest that the picture inside the Etihad Stadium is considerably more optimistic than those reports implied.

City had already been described as confident of keeping Gvardiol and the update reinforces that stance – with the additional detail of positive dialogue between the two parties having taken place.

What is the wider context for Gvardiol’s future?

Gvardiol broke his silence on the speculation last week, saying he was happy at the Etihad Stadium but would assess the situation after the upcoming FIFA World Cup with Croatia in North America.

Direct talks with incoming City manager Enzo Maresca are expected once the tournament concludes, with the Blues keen to outline Gvardiol’s central role in the new era and bring the situation to a resolution before pre-season begins in July.

With Ruben Dias also understood to mulling over his club future after Guardiola’s exit, City are working to preserve the defensive core around which Maresca will build following his confirmation as Guardiola’s successor.