Forget Vidal, Manchester United To Opt For This Cheaper German Alternative

Manchester United have rekindled their interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan after he returned to the Dortmund reserve team last week.

Manchester United were heavily linked with Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal in the summer and there were rumours indicating that he had agreed personal terms with United. However, a move failed to materialise as new manager Massimo Allegri wanted the Chilean in his first season in charge of the Old Lady.

United were also linked with Roma’s Kevin Strootman in the summer as well as last season before he joined the Italian side. Louis Van Gaal was reportedly ready to sign the Dutchman despite him being injured. Strootman returned to training recently. It will take a pretty good bid to sign Strootman from Roma as he is contracted till 2018. As a result, Manchester United have turned their attention towards Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan missed more than a year due a back injury suffered in the start of the 2013 season. The former Nuremberg midfielder had been a key player for Dortmund in their title achievement few of years ago. The 23-year old played and even scored in the Champions League final defeat against Bayern Munich 2 seasons ago. Since then injuries have hampered the talented the midfielder who was linked with a move after his impressive performances. All these injuries may act as a blessing in disguise for United as they can use that as a leverage to sign the player for cheap cash.

Gundogan’s return to training will attract a lot of interest from other clubs as his contract expires in less than 2 years. Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp will want to keep the midfielder at the club not only because of his quality but also due to the nature of injuries at the Ruhr based club. Dortmund were expected to challenge for the title but have been woeful so far in the League. They lie 13th in the Bundesliga, only 2 places above the relegation zone after having picked only 7 points from 7 games so far.