Real Madrid are planning a £25 million January swoop for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, according to The Daily and Sunday Express.
Gundogan, 22, was the subject of reported interest from Arsenal and Manchester United during the summer transfer window, but the Spanish giants have reportedly won the race for Dortmund’s midfield maestro.
The Germany international, who made his debut in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Belgium in October 2011, has won eight international caps for his country, scoring two goals.
If Gundogan were to sign for Real Madrid, Nuri Şahin — currently on loan at Signal Iduna Park — would likely rejoin Dortmund on a permanent deal.
Meanwhile, Madrid defensive midfielder Sami Khedira is being linked with a January move to Arsenal despite featuring in seven of eight league fixtures for Los Blancos this season.
Khedira, who opened the scoring in today’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland at the RheinEnergieStadion, is reportedly unsettled with the club’s decision to sell compatriot Mesut Özil to the Gunners on transfer deadline day.
“Personally, I feel bad about Mesut’s transfer,” said Khedira. “We are very, very good friends.
“His departure is a loss also from a sporting perspective. Mesut can make the difference.”
Deulofeu expects Barca exit
On-loan Everton forward Gerard Deulofeu has admitted it would be difficult for him to return to Barcelona due to the presence of Neymar in the Spanish champions’ squad, The Express understands.
Deulofeu, 19, has tallied one goal and one assist in six appearances in all competitions for the Toffees this season.
The Spain youth international has yet to make a start in the English Premier League, with Kevin Mirallas and Steven Pienaar ahead of him in the pecking order at Goodison Park.
However, the 19-year-old starlet understands that his chances of first-team football are much greater on Merseyside than Catalonia.
“It would be difficult to return [to Barcelona] because they have very good players,” Deulofeu told Esports COPE.
“Neymar is one of those players you would pay any price for.
“He is one of the reasons why it would complicated, but the club also has one of the best in the world in Messi, as well as Pedro.”
Deulofeu is one of Europe’s hottest young prospects, having impressed immensely at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Turkey this summer.
With that said, the Spain Under-20 ace will surely find playing time even harder to come by following Everton’s premature exit from the Capital One Cup.
Expect a number of short ‘cameo’ appearances for Deulofeu this term.
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