Manchester City chiefs reportedly feel that Ilkay Gundogan wants to leave the club this summer amid firm interest from Barcelona.
The Germany international can walk away from the Premier League champions on a free transfer at the end of the season as things stand, having entered the final few months of his contract.
It is unclear whether Man City intend to tie Gundogan down to a new contract at the Etihad Stadium, but there has not been a breakthrough in any negotiations behind the scenes.
With Pep Guardiola's side potentially seeking midfield reinforcements amid links with Jude Bellingham and Bruno Guimaraes, Gundogan's exit would free up space for a new engine-room enforcer to arrive.
Barca boss Xavi is believed to be pushing for the Blaugrana to bring Gundogan to Camp Nou this summer, having personally contacted the former Borussia Dortmund man to discuss a switch.
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The La Liga leaders have seemingly been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of a cut-price deal, as Sport claims that Man City do not expect Gundogan to still be at the club next season.
The report claims that a one-year renewal offer with a slashed salary is on the table, but Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain believe that Gundogan has already made his mind up.
Furthermore, the 32-year-old's wife is also alleged to be sick of living in England, and the family would welcome the change of scenery that living in Catalonia would bring.
While negotiations between Gundogan and Barcelona over a two-year deal are said to be progressing smoothly, the Blaugrana must still trim their wage bill significantly before bringing any new faces to the club.
Gundogan could immediately assume the Sergio Busquets role if the Spaniard opts not to extend his contract beyond the summer, while the possible departures of Ansu Fati, Jordi Alba, Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Abde Ezzalzouli could also help bring the club in line with UEFA and La Liga's financial regulations.
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Gundogan followed Guardiola to the Etihad in the summer of 2016, and the German has since recorded 53 goals and 37 assists in 290 appearances for the Premier League champions.
Following Fernandinho's exit at the end of last season, Gundogan was voted captain by his teammates, and he has recorded four goals and four assists from 37 games with the armband this season.
The midfielder's trophy haul with the Citizens includes four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, four EFL Cups and two Community Shields, but Guardiola's side find themselves eight points adrift of Arsenal with a game in hand this season.
Barcelona have faced increasing uncertainty surrounding the futures of several star midfielders this season, with Busquets yet to respond to the club's offer of a short-term contract extension.
However, Frenkie de Jong has re-affirmed his desire to remain in Catalonia, while Franck Kessie's entourage have also denied claims that the Ivorian could be sold this summer.
Ben Knapton
