Report: Manchester City steps up pace in Ilkay Gundogan pursuit
The results of Pep Guardiola's controversial meeting Monday with Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain are already reaching fruition as moves to bring in Ilkay Gundogan are reportedly underway.
The Bayern Munich manager was believed to have been highlighting transfer targets ahead of taking the helm in Eastlands this summer and, according to the Guardian's Jamie Jackson, later in the day Begiristain met with a representative of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Gundogan to discuss a potential transfer.
Der BVB has previously spoken out on social media to dispel suggestions of the 16-time Germany international leaving the Westfalenstadion.
The 25-year-old will have one year remaining on his contract at the close of the campaign and apparently has a buyout clause of €30 million (£23 million). Rumours of a deal being discussed surfaced when De Telegraaf released a picture of Begiristain allegedly in conversation with Gundogan's uncle in Amsterdam, who also happens to be the players agent.
The meeting reportedly lasted around 45 minutes, with many tipping Gundogan to assume the position expected to be vacated by Yaya Toure, who's been linked recently with a lucrative move to the Chinese Super League.
Related: Dortmund boss 'not convinced' City-target Gundogan will stay
Guardiola won't just be shoring up the midfield upon his arrival in Manchester, with the Spaniard said to be exploring options in a defence that's looked shaky this season, particularly in the absence of the oft-injured Vincent Kompany. Links with highly rated FC Schalke 04 forward Leroy Sane won't let up either, with a €40-million (£32-million) fee touted as enough to secure his services.
City travels to struggling Norwich City in Saturday's Premier League action, and sits some 10 points short of league-leading Leicester City.