Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Ilkay Gundogan after the midfielder's father denied claims he has already signed a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid, according to the Daily Star. The Borussia Dortmund man is one of the hottest young prospects in European football at present, and has attracted huge interest from a number of top clubs, including United, in recent times. The Germany international has made rivals aware of his potential availability after stalling on a new deal with Dortmund, and reports in Spain suggest he has already agreed a deal with Madrid. However these claims have been denied by Gundogan's father, seemingly putting United back in the picture. "There is no agreement between Gundogan and Real Madrid," Gundogan senior told Kicker.
"We only stopped contract negotiations with Dortmund because we do not want to disturb him during his injury. "Obviously, it is possible that he will extend his contract."
Gundogan is currently suffering with a serious back injury that may rule him out until 2014, however, this has not dissuaded interested parties, particularly Real. The Spanish giant's mouthpiece, Marca, had claimed a deal was in place for the 23-year-old to join the Bernabeu club, with Nuri Sahin going in the opposite direction as part of the transfer. However, these latest revelations will buoy United manager David Moyes, who is a known admirer of Gundogan and is eager to add to his midfield options in the New Year. The Scot is prepared to allow Brazilian Anderson to leave Old Trafford in order to make way for another midfielder, but may have to pay upwards of £25 million for Gundogan.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
