Barcelona looking to sign Manchester City midfielder

Barcelona will reportedly consider a move for Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan if they fail to sign his teammate Bernardo Silva. 

The La Liga giants have been linked with Silva in each of the last two summer transfer windows, but the Portuguese has so far remained at The Etihad.

That doesn’t mean that they won’t make another move for him next year, though, but it seems that they now have their back up plan sorted.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano via Sport, Xavi’s side could potentially consider making a move for the Germany international.

Last summer, it was reported that Silva would be allowed to leave City to return to Spain due to ‘personal reasons’, but the Spanish side never agreed a deal.

This summer was a similar story, as the midfielder was once again linked with Barcelona, who looked set to let Frenkie de Jong leave.

The Dutchman stayed put, though, and Xavi failed in his pursuit of a new midfielder.

Barcelona are believed to be admirers of both Silva and Gundogan

Now, they could move for Silva’s teammate Gundogan, who is set to be out of contract next summer.

The 31-year-old was linked with a departure from Manchester this summer, but stayed put and has started the season strongly.

The club captain has scored twice and provided an assist in seven league games so far this season, although his future remains uncertain.

While Guardiola is keen to keep hold of his German international, the player is yet to decide and could still opt to leave the club upon the expiry of his deal at the end of the season.

The player would be allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club from January onwards.

Former Borussia Dortmund man Gundogan has established himself as a crucial part of the City side over recent seasons, contributing to their huge success.

Since joining from the Bundesliga side in 2016, he has scored 51 goals and provided 34 assists in 263 games across all competitions.

He has also added four Premier League titles, four League Cups and an FA Cup to his own personal trophy cabinet.

City have lost several midfielders, including David Silva and Fernandinho, in recent seasons, and will be reluctant to lose a player that has been so crucial to their recent success.