Transfer Talk: Barca and Juve ready to pounce if Gundogan leaves City

Barcelona and Juventus have emerged as frontrunners to sign Ilkay Gundogan if the German leaves Manchester City.

The midfielder, 31, has been integral to the Citizens' success since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, most recently scoring twice on the final day to inspire City's 3-2 comeback victory against Aston Villa.

Four-time Premier League winner Gundogan is about to enter the final year of his contract however, meaning Etihad chiefs could decide to move him on this summer to avoid losing their No8 for free in a year’s time.

According to a report in German outlet Bild, Barca and Juve are his preferred destinations if he does leave Manchester.

The 58-cap international is said to want assurances of first-team football next campaign, with the World Cup in Qatar kicking off in November.

And having started just 20 of City’s 38 Premier League games under Pep Guardiola last term, a move to Spain or Italy may prove tempting.

Gundogan recently admitted his frustration at how his season had panned out.

He said: "In one important game and others, I was admittedly a little disappointed not to have played from the start without doing anything wrong in my appearances beforehand."

The report indicates the Blaugrana have been Gundogan’s dream club since childhood, with both they and Juve able to offer him the regular action he desires.

In other news

Barcelona have also been in discussions to sign fellow City man Bernardo Silva but will have to sell Frenkie de Jong to afford the Portuguese midfielder, according to Fabrizio Romano.

TalkSPORT say Manchester United are considering a move for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Mail have claimed Man City and Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on the contract situation of Chelsea’s Reece James, who is yet to be offered an improvement on his current £70,000-per-week deal at Stamford Bridge.