Manchester City-target Ilkay Gundogan could leave Dortmund, says BVB coach

Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel said on Wednesday he is not convinced Germany’s Ilkay Gundogan will stay amidst reports Pep Guardiola’s future employers Manchester City are set to swoop.

The 25-year-old has a contract with Dortmund until June 2017 and German media report that Gundogan’s agent, his uncle Ilhan, met with City’s director of sport Txiki Begiristain in Amsterdam earlier this week.

Gundogan has been a key factor in Dortmund’s impressive form this season with Tuchel’s team second only to Bayern Munich in Germany’s top flight.

But the defensive midfielder is reported to be on the list of players Guardiola wants when he takes over as City boss next season following three years with Bayern.

“I’m not disappointed, but I can’t understand the fuss,” said Tuchel.

“We are also planning our squad and taking care of things early, that’s just part of the everyday business.

“I am not convinced he’ll stay — and I can only be otherwise when he signs.

“I have not seen the pictures (of Gundogan’s uncle and Begiristain together), but it doesn’t affect my mood either way.

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“I am sure Ilkay knows exactly what he has at this club, in terms of what development can take place for him here and what leadership role he can play.

“It’s pointless to list everything. Ilkay knows our assets very well.”

Gundogan joined Dortmund from Nuremberg in 2011.

Borussia can be forgiven for expecting some loyalty from him after they extended his contract in April 2014 even though he missed virtually the entire 2013/14 season with a back injury.