Manchester City star subject to 'loose' talks over new two or three-year contract with Premier League champions

A new report from Germany has revealed that 'loose talks' have taken place over a possible new two or three-year contract for Ilkay Gundogan at Manchester City.

The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder is into the final year of his Manchester City contract.

Should no agreement be found over a new deal, then Ilkay Gundogan would be free to move to any club across the globe without a transfer fee.

One side who are reportedly interested in the Manchester City captain is La Liga giants, FC Barcelona.

Camp Nou officials hold the player in high-regard, and the lack of a transfer fee would quite obviously be attractive to a club currently struggling with financial issues.

However, there is currently no certainty on where Ilkay Gundogan's future lies beyond the end of the ongoing season, with a new report detailing a potential positive outcome in regards to remaining with Pep Guardiola's squad into the 2023/24 campaign and beyond.

According to the information of Sky Sport in Germany's Florian Plettenberg, 'loose talks' have been held about the possibility of a new two or three-year contract for Ilkay Gundogan at Manchester City.

However, no decision on such a matter will be made imminently.

It is highlighted that as well as the 32 year-old being in no hurry to make his mind up over his future at the Etihad Stadium, a decision will not be made until spring 2023 at the very earliest.

While many factors are likely to play a part in the Germany international's final decision, one aspect concerns a major figure within Manchester City.

As per Florian Plettenberg, the decision of Pep Guardiola on his own future with the reigning Premier League champions is 'important' for Gundogan.

The Catalan coach is also into the final year of his City contract, although talks over his future could take place in the coming weeks.

Manchester City are expected to travel to Abu Dhabi in early December for a warm-weather training camp.

The trip may also include a meeting between the club's owner, Sheikh Mansour as well as senior Manchester City figures such as Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Txiki Begiristain, and of course, Pep Guardiola.

City return to action following the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on December 22, with a Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.