Man Utd's De Jong hopes boosted by Barcelona's pursuit of Man City star

Cameron Smith

• 17 Feb 2023 12:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is open to a summer transfer to Barcelona, boosting Manchester United's chances of signing Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutch midfielder has been on the Red Devils' radar since Erik ten Hag took charge last summer, but their efforts to sign him have so far been thwarted by the Blaugrana.

However, fresh praise for the player from Ten Hag and Barcelona's pursuit of Gundogan could finally lead to De Jong moving to Old Trafford.

READ: Man Utd and Man City join Liverpool in the hunt for Chelsea's Mason Mount

Marcel Sabitzer arrived at the club on a six-month loan deal in January to cover for the injured Christian Eriksen, but De Jong remains the long-term option according to reports, with Ten Hag still keen on being reunited with his former Ajax pupil.

The chances of De Jong joining have been handed a boost thanks to Barcelona's pursuit of Gundogan, and the German's openness to a move.

READ: Neymar offered to five Premier League giants amid PSG exit talk

What has been said?

Christian Falk told CaughtOffside: "Barcelona is actually an option for lkay Gündogan. Xavi has always been his role model and he learned a lot of tricks and playing styles from the former midfielder on YouTube.

“His agent and uncle is currently assessing the market and opportunities at Barcelona. However, Andreas Christensen is also one of his clients.

“Manchester City remains a priority for Ilkay and he can imagine staying, especially now that Pep Guardiola has signed a new contract.

“But, Barcelona is Ilkay’s number two option, which sets the scene for a bit of poker between City and Barca. City will have the advantage if the club wants to keep Ilkay and makes it financially worth his while.”

Gundogan's current deal at the Etihad Stadium is set to expire this summer, meaning he can agree a pre-contract with Barcelona if Man City don't extend his stay. However, Pep Guardiola's future could play a key role in Gundogan's decision, with the Spaniard linked with an exit following news of an investigation into the legality of Man City's transfer business.