Barcelona have reportedly held contract talks with Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan after he was linked with a summer move to Liverpool.
The Germany international, 32, is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium in June, and is yet to agree to fresh terms to remain with Pep Guardiola's side.
Gundogan joined City in 2016, with the club paying £20 million to sign him from Borussia Dortmund. He was Guardiola's first signing as the club's manager.
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He has scored 52 goals in 284 appearances since making the move to Manchester, including a career-best 17 goals in the 2020/21 season. Primarily a deep-lying midfielder, Gundogan was utilised in a more advanced role for much of that campaign.
He has won 11 trophies with City, including four Premier League titles - with Liverpool runner-up on two occasions - and has been a key player for Guardiola throughout much of his time at the club.
According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Gundogan has opened contract talks with Barcelona over a potential move, with the reporter describing as a move as a 'very real' option for Xavi's side.
Gundogan linked with Liverpool
The news comes after Gundogan was linked with a possible switch to Liverpool at the end of his City contract.
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Any move would certainly make sense, with the midfielder having played under Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund. The pair were together at the German club for four years before Klopp left his role, and Gundogan departed Signal Iduna Park after the following season.
In addition, Liverpool are on the lookout for midfield additions as they look to bolster that area of the pitch, and Gundogan would be a cheap option in terms of fees.
However, the player himself ruled out the Reds as an option if he was to leave City - despite his admiration for Klopp.
He told German outlet Kicker in November (quotes via Manchester Evening News): "I think I can rule out that happening.
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"Everyone knows how much I like and appreciate Kloppo. But I've been at City for a few years now. And now, as City captain to rival Liverpool? No, I can not imagine."
It remains to be seen whether Gundogan signs a new deal with City, but his long-term future could lie away from the Premier League if he does not do so.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Ilkay Gundogan, Premier League, Liverpool