By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

28th Mar, 2023 | 4:00pm

Sources: Man City have two replacements in mind for Ilkay Gundogan

Bundesliga duo Jude Bellingham and Florian Wirtz are being considered by Man City as potential replacements for Ilkay Gundogan, sources have told Football Insider.

This site revealed on Monday (27 March) that Barcelona are optimistic about completing a deal for the 32-year-old Man City midfielder this summer.

The Catalan giants have already held talks with Gundogan’s representatives about a free transfer – with his contract at City set to expire in June.

Pep Guardiola’s side want to keep the midfielder but have started to explore possible replacements if he is to end his seven-year affiliation with the club.

Bellingham remains a prime target – with elite clubs all over Europe desperate to land him this summer.

Football Insider revealed last week (21 March) that Liverpool remain in the race for the Dortmund star – with Real Madrid, Man United and Chelsea all also interested.

The Bundesliga leaders are believed to want a club-record fee of more than £126million to part with their prize asset.

England international Bellingham has racked up 10 goals and six assists in 34 club appearances as a regular starter this term.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen star Wirtz has been earmarked as a potential Gundogan successor – despite playing a more advanced role for the German side.

The 19-year-old is under contract until 2027 and has also been linked with a Liverpool switch this summer.

Wirtz only returned from a serious knee injury in January but has already racked up two goals and six assists in 13 appearances.

Gundogan will play a key role for Man City in what could be the final months of his time at the club.

Guardiola’s side must make up an eight-point deficit to Premier League leaders Arsenal – and are also vying for a first-ever Champions League trophy.

In other news, Football Insider updates with latest on Kalvin Phillips quitting Man City.