According to newly emerging reports, Manchester United have received a boost in the chase for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, with Barcelona allegedly unprepared to fork out for the player’s wage demands.
Speculation from earlier this week suggested that Camp Nou officials had flown to Ibiza this week to try and seal a deal for the highly rated German international midfielder, who made 23 league appearances this season.
However, it is claimed that he wants wages of £170,000-a-week, which is £60,000 more than the Catalan giants are willing to offer. Naturally, this opens the door for Manchester United, providing they are happy to match his hefty demands.
The 24-year-old looks set to leave his current club this summer, after it was confirmed by the Daily Mail that he will not be signing a new contract, and he could prove the answer to the Red Devils’ holding-midfield frailties.
While Gundogan isn’t a natural defensive player, he has impressed when he has featured in the role this season. The uncertainty over the long-term future of veteran Michael Carrick means Louis van Gaal could be prepared to offer him a substantial deal.
