Manchester City are pushing to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol before the weekend.
City want to close a deal in time to register Gvardiol for Sunday's Community Shield against Arsenal at Wembley.
Last season's Treble winners are battling to settle on terms with RBL over a fee for the Croatia international.
The Times says talks between the two clubs have been ongoing for 12 months.
RBL are insisting on 100m to sell Gvardiol this summer.