Real Madrid are reportedly interested in bringing Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to Bernabeu during this summer's transfer window.
The 31-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with his contract at Etihad Stadium due to expire next June.
A recent report claimed that the Citizens are not planning to offer the Germany international an extension, which could see him sold this summer, with Barcelona and Arsenal both believed to be keen to sign him during the upcoming market.
However, according to journalist Ekrem Konur, there is also genuine interest from Real Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti's side identifying Gundogan as a leading summer target.
The German has featured on 42 occasions in all competitions for the Citizens this term, scoring eight times and contributing six assists in the process.
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Gundogan has scored six goals and registered three assists in 26 Premier League appearances this season, while he provided two assists in 10 Champions League outings.
When questioned on the midfielder during Friday's press conference, Man City head coach Guardiola said that he wanted to keep hold of him this summer.
"If you ask me personally, I want [Gundogan] next season. There is no-one thinking he cannot be here," the Spaniard told reporters. "If he wants to leave, as a club we don't know it. All the Twitter accounts saying he will leave, I don't know. Maybe you know more than me."
However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder's representatives are currently in talks with Man City over a potential summer exit.
The Germany international has scored 47 goals and registered 33 assists in 252 appearances for the Citizens since making the move from Borussia Dortmund in July 2016.
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Real Madrid are well-stocked in central midfield, with Luka Modric set to sign a one-year contract extension, while Casemiro and Toni Kroos remain key players for the club.
Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde have also taken on important roles in the second half of the 2021-22 campaign, but the Spanish champions are believed to be keen to add another midfielder this summer, and the club have seemingly cooled their interest in Manchester United's Paul Pogba.
Los Blancos could allegedly be about to miss out on a deal for Kylian Mbappe, meanwhile, which would free up funds to be spent elsewhere, and Man City are not in a strong position to negotiate a high transfer fee for Gundogan due to his contract situation at Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid will allow Isco and Gareth Bale to leave Bernabeu on free transfers at the end of next month, but a decision on the future of experienced defender Marcelo has not yet been made.
Matt Law
