LONDON (Sporting Alert) — Jamie Redknapp says Manchester City should target Paul Pogba, while Ilkay Gundogan of Borussia Dortmund is reportedly heading to Manchester United.
Recent reports said Manchester United had cooled their interest in Gundogan, but according to the Manchester Evening News, his move to United is a “done deal.”
Ilkay Gundogan on his way to Manchester United?
In fact, Sky Sports News is reporting that a deal to sign the long-time target is set to be finalised this weekend, as manager Louis van Gaal look to strengthen his midfield.
German newspaper Der Westen is suggesting that the 24-year-old, whose current contract expires next summer, has refused to sign a contract extension with the Bundesliga club, which remains out of the race for a place in the Champions League next season.
Gundogan is being viewed as the perfect replacement for the ageing Michael Carrick, although the Red Devils were also linked with Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal and Roma’s Kevin Strootman, who both have struggled with injuries.
It is also understood that Manchester City and Arsenal are said to be very interested in the German international as well and have been monitoring his situation in Dortmund.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp thinks that Manchester City should try to sign Frenchman Paul Pogba to replace Yaya Toure, who he expects to leave the Premier League champions in the summer transfer window.
Pogba has been one of the most targeted players in the past few seasons and Redknapp says Manuel Pellegrini must target the Juventus midfielder in the summer.
“I expect Yaya Toure to leave Manchester City this summer – and they need to sign Paul Pogba to replace him,” Redknapp said ahead of the Citizens’ EPL clash with Aston Villa at the weekend.
“After winning two trophies last season, this has been a pathetic defence of their Premier League title from City and their ageing squad desperately needs refreshing.
“Toure seems ready for his next challenge and he’ll be off the wage bill and that can help them in terms of Financial Fair Play.
“If I was City, Pogba is the man I’d go after to fill Toure’s spot.”
Elsewhere, Manchester Evening News claims Manchester United are confident of signing Memphis Depay from PSV, although Van Gaal, who managed the attacker during his working days with the Netherlands, has played down reports.
“I don’t discuss it with the media,” he was quoted as saying.
“I have lot of relationships with players. I can’t buy all the players I’ve coached.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has moved quickly to dismiss reports linking his star winger Eden Hazard with a move to Real Madrid, following recent comments made by Los Blancos icon and developing club coach Zinedine Zidane.
“We just signed a new contract with him (until 2021),” Mourinho noted. “We didn’t put a gun to his head. I don’t think he’s interested in going.”
