Real Madrid line up Gundogan swoop; Gatalasaray keen on Robben

Real Madrid line up Gundogan swoop

Real Madrid are readying summer bid for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, according to Marca.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the future of star midfielder Xabi Alonso, los Blancos officials are already identifying potential replacements for the Spain international.

Marca understands that Borussia Dortmund playmaker Ilkay Gundogan has moved to the top of Real’s wish list.

Jose Mourinho has been impressed by the talented midfielder and he is eager to lure him to Snatiago Bernabeu.

That could prove to be a difficult task given that the player has a contract until June 2015 at Signal-Iduna Park and a €25 million release clause.

Gundogan has had a slow start to his career in Dortmund after joining the club from Nurnberg, but he has been in scintillating form this term and was recently praised by boss Jurgen Klopp.

Should they fail in their attempt to sign the Germany international, los Blancos will turn their attention to one of Javi Garcia, Ruben Pardo and Asier Illaramendi.

Gatalasaray keen on Robben

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben could be the subject of a summer bid from Galatasaray, Bild has revealed.

The Turkish giants boosted their ranks with Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder in the January transfer window and they plan to continue signing high-profile players.

According to Bild, the Turk Telekom Arena outfit are preparing a summer assault on Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben.

Galatasaray are short of options on the left wing since Albert Riera is being deployed as a left-back and they are prepared to delve deep into their pockets to sign the Netherlands international.

Robben, 29, is getting worried by the lack of playing time at Alianz Arena, and has voiced his frustration on numerous occasions.

The highly rated winger has made just 7 Bundesliga starts this season, and it appears he is ready to leave the club at the end of the current campaign.

Rui Patricio denied Sporting exit

Portuguese newspaper A Bola has learned that Sporting have rejected a €10 million bid for keeper Rui Patricio.

The official offer for the highly rated stopper arrived from an unnamed English club, but it was swiftly rejected by the club chiefs.

Having agreed to sell striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel to Norwich, the Lions opted to keep hold of Patricio, while there is a good chance the offer was also below their valuation of the player.

The 25-year-old has been linked with Manchester United and Barcelona among other clubs, and it appears it is only a matter of time before he leaves Estadio Jose Alvalade for greener pastures.

Rui Patricio has spent his entire career at Sporting Lisbon, making a total of 158 Primeira Liga appearances for the club.

He has also nailed down a regular starting berth in Portugal national team and was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

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