‘Ilkay Gundogan’s legs have gone’ – Man City make transfer decision
Galatasaray are plotting an ambitious move to sign Man City star Ilkay Gundogan and are keeping a close eye on his situation.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola could allow the 34-year-old to leave the Etihad.
This comes after the Turkish giants splashed out on a big contract to sign former City and Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane ahead of the likes of Tottenham.
Brown told Football Insider on 2 June that Gundogan could be part of a City exodus, with up to seven players earmarked to leave Guardiola’s side this summer.
The boss is keen to trim his squad following major arrivals already this summer, with more expected to follow Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Meanwhile, former City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Gundogan could leave City alongside the likes of Jack Grealish to clear the wage bill.
Man City could accept Ilkay Gundogan offer amid new concerns
Brown told Football Insider in February that Man City are aiming to replace Gundogan in the summer transfer window amid concerns about his age.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that those concerns have lingered and he could be allowed to leave should an offer arrive.
“Guardiola has made it clear he wants his squad to be cut,” he told Football Insider.
“Now, decisions have to be made about who they want to get rid of.
“There have been a few question marks about whether Gundogan is going to be staying.
“He went off to Barcelona for a year, and since he’s come back they’ve not been totally convinced he’s still got the legs to play regularly at this level.
“A top player is always a top player, but he’s not doing it to the level he once did.
“Galatasaray are one of the clubs who have been considering a move for him.
“They showed they’ve got money to spend and to offer players, because they’ve just signed Leroy Sane and spent a bomb on his wages.
“Going over to Turkish football might suit him at this stage of his career.
“If he’s one Guardiola wants to move on, and the deal is right, that would be one of the options for them.“
Pep Guardiola plans to accept Bernardo Silva offer
Gundogan is not the only established player who could be allowed to leave the Etihad this summer, as Bernardo Silva has been tipped for a move away.
Brown told Football Insider on 17 June that City are prepared to accept offers for Silva as Guardiola continues to eye a squad clear-out.
The midfielder is attracting offers from clubs in Spain, Portugal and Saudi Arabia, and the boss will not stand in his way should a significant offer arrive.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in February that Man City are braced for offers for Silva in the summer transfer window and is set to assess his future.
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