MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly “battle” Premier League rivals Manchester City to sign Ilkay Gundogan this summer - but only if Juventus don’t get there first.
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| United and City both reportedly want to sign Ilkay Gundogan |
United are understood to be keen on landing Germany international Gundogan whether manager Louis van Gaal is in charge at the end of the season or not.
City are also said to have sounded out the 25-year-old midfielder, who is not expected to remain in the Bundesliga past next season.
But Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claim both Premier League sides are banking on Dortmund standing firm against Juve’s interest this January.
Juve have already had a £22million bid rejected for Gundogan and are willing to increase their offer to land the ace.
Manager Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly concerned that his midfield will be unable to cope with a Serie A title push if, as expected, Paul Pogba is sold to the highest bidder this winter.
Barcelona are frontrunners to sign 22-year-old Pogba, whose agent suggested could cost as much as £73m.
Juve are also reportedly eyeing Chelsea midfielders Nemanja Matic and Oscar - but Gundogan remains their top priority.
Gazzetta claim Allegri wants the business completed before February in order to avoid a bidding war with the two rich Manchester clubs.
United boss Van Gaal has spent around £250m since his arrival at Old Trafford 18 months ago and is all set to make more signings this winter.
Van Gaal has already insisted he wants greater midfield flare, while yesterday he suggested a striker would also arrive this month.
Gundogan appears to be a summer target, while City are also considering other options before moving for the ex-Nurnberg ace in July.
As for Dortmund, they are said to be realistic about their chances of keeping the midfielder but know they can get a bumper deal in six months’ time.
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