Rio Ferdinand has been full of praise for Chelsea transfer target Josko Gvardiol as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City joined the Blues in the race for the Croatian.

Gvardiol was the subject of a £77m bid from Chelsea last summer but RB Leipzig decided to keep him at the club.

Ferdinand can see why there is so much interest

“I have to say, he has been my favourite defender to watch in the tournament so far,” the ex-United defender said during punditry for BBC Sport. “He has got a great presence, he is happy for the battles, very physical and has a wand for a left foot. He has got pace, too, and I think all those attributes you need as a modern-day defender.

“He can play the ball over various distances, he has pinpoint accuracy. He beats any type of press, is comfortable on either foot and is as comfortable with the ball at his feet as he is running out with it defensively. Also, the aggressiveness. He is willing to get forward, that youth, that fearlessness. He has quick enough feet for someone of his size.

“Everything about him for me has been so positive.”