Man City could beat Liverpool to Jude Bellingham signing after talks update - 'there's a real chance', says pundit
Paul Robinson has claimed Man City could sign Jude Bellingham even if Ilkay Gundogan puts pen to paper on a new contract at the club.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one suggested Bellingham could be signed as a replacement for Bernardo Silva.
Gundogan's contract at the Etihad expires at the end of this June.
According to The Athletic's Sam Lee (20 January), City are in talks with the centre-midfielder over a new deal.
City are also competing with Liverpool and Real Madrid for the signature of Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.
When asked by Football Insider if Gundogan's future could affect City's stance on signing Bellingham, Robinson said: "I don't think so.
"I do not think it will effect their transfer plans because there is a real chance that Bernardo Silva leaves.
"Pep Guardiola is very good at refreshing his squad. He does not buy for buying sake but if there is a world-class player available who will improve their squad they will be in the hunt for them. Bellingham fits that bill. They would be silly not to try and sign him.
"If Gundogan and Bernardo Silva were staying for the long-term and they signed Bellingham there would be a case for suggesting they have two many central midfielders but one or both of them will likely leave in the next couple of years. That is why I do not think it will have an effect on their pursuit of Bellingham."