Manchester City close in on Ilkay Gundogan after meeting representatives

Manchester City have stepped up their bid to make Ilkay Gündogan one of Pep Guardiola's first signings, with Tixi Begiristain meeting the Borussia Dortmund midfielder's agent at Amsterdam's Conservatorium Hotel.

Guardiola will take over from Manuel Pellegrini at City on July 1st when he leaves his position at Bayern. Gündogan signed a fresh two-year deal last summer so at the close of the season will have only 12 months left of his contract. He has a buy-out clause of €30m.

Begiristain was photographed in conversation with Ilhan Gündogan, the 25-year-old’s representative and uncle, on the same day Guardiola met the City sporting director at the Conservatorium.

Begiristain spoke to Gündogan’s agent for around 45 minutes, according to German newspaper, Bild. City’s move for a player who can operate in a number midfield roles puts Yaya Touré’s future at the club in doubt.

Gündogan joined Dortmund from FC Nürnberg in 2011.

(Guardian service)