Liverpool are set to lose out to Manchester City in their pursuit of Ilkay Gundogan.
Gundogan worked with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp during his time in charge at Borussia Dortmund but is now expected to become one of Pep Guardiola’s first signings at the Etihad Stadium after the Capital One Cup winners stepped up their pursuit of the midfielder.
Ilhan Gundogan, the player’s uncle and agent, was photographed meeting with City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain in an Amsterdan hotel earlier this week.
The Germany international’s current deal at Signal Iduna Park expires next summer and with a €30 million (£23 million) release clause in his contract, outgoing Bayern Munich manager Guardiola is thought to have earmarked the 25-year-old ahead of his July 1 appointment.
Guardiola’s former club Barcelona are also understood to be entering the race to sign Gundogan, with reports in Spain claiming the reigning European champions will challenge both Liverpool and City for his signature.