Rumour: Manchester United given boost in chase for Ilkay Gundogan

Manchester United have been given fresh hope in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, as Real Madrid have voiced concerns over signing the German, according to the Express. The midfield dynamo has been linked continuously with the champions.

Early reports suggested that the Spanish giants had agreed a verbal agreement to sign the 23-year-old once his current deal with Dortmund expires in 2015. However, the youngster’s father and agent revealed that Gundogan’s future was “completely open” last week, firmly pushing his situation back into uncertainty.

The Bundesliga outfit also harbour hopes of convincing the midfielder to sign a new deal but Manchester United boss David Moyes is also believed to be keen on a deal to take him to Old Trafford.

However, Gundogan is currently sidelined with a back injury and Dortmund have declared they will not discuss an extension to his deal until he has returned to full fitness, with the German sides caution rubbing off on Madrid, as they are now worried the injury could give throw up further complications in the long run.

Carlo Ancelotti has turned his attention to Juventus star as a possible alternative, leaving the Red Devils as new favourites to sign one of Dortmund’s most coveted talents.

With midfield a key area where Moyes’ side have been found lacking as they struggle to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, new additions are vital, although fans will be wary of Gundogan’s arrival as Shinji Kagawa promised so much when he joined from the BVB but has delivered so little.