MANCHESTER CITY star Ilkay Gundogan is being targeted by Juventus with the midfielder’s contract expiring, reports say.
The 32-year-old’s deal is up next summer where he would be allowed to walk out of the club on a free.
Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s first signing in 2016 and has been a consistently important squad member in the juggernaut winning machine the Spaniard has built.
But Juventus are now circling as they look to beef up their midfield.
Calcio Mercato report that under-pressure boss Massimiliano Allegri is keen to add skill and guile to the middle of the park.
The Old Lady have had a difficult start to the season both domestically and in Europe.
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And Allegri has not been helped by injuries to major players such as Paul Pogba and Federico Chiesa.
If the German star were to not renew his deal at the Etihad, he would be available on a free next summer and available to sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs from January.
But he continues to be a key part of the squad and has started six of City’s nine Premier League matches so far this season, scoring twice and assisting once in that time.
In fact his only sticky moment this season was when his wife criticised Manchester restaurants – despite Guardiola owning a tapas joint.
There have also been complications over his contract.
Guardiola has previously dispensed of major squad members, including Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the summer.
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Despite those losses, City have started the season in frightening form.
They are still yet to be beaten this season and only occupy second spot due to Arsenal’s fast start.
The Citizens will face their most difficult test of the season when they travel to Liverpool on Sunday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
