Gundogan admission confirms what Man City dressing room want to happen summer

Manchester City have been smart at keeping their cards close to their chest regarding Erling Haaland - publicly, at least.

If Pep Guardiola is asked about the Borussia Dortmund striker or the need for a recognised frontman in general, he will deflect, deny and refuse to talk about a player from another team. It's a policy that has served him well in the past, and he won't budge from it in the future.

The English media understand his stance by now, to the point where Guardiola was asked about Haaland recently with the disclaimer: "I know you won't answer this, but..." In response, Guardiola asked why ask the question, then?

On international breaks, though, it's harder to control the questions about Haaland, especially in Germany where his future is of pressing concern to Dortmund and the Bundesliga in general. Add a City player on international duty, and the only shock is that it's taken this long for Ilkay Gundogan to be asked about Haaland.

His answer was hardly surprising - he praised Haaland's obvious quality but stopped short of offering an opinion of whether he should be signed or not. When asked if Haaland would play well for City, Gundogan said: "It's a long time ago that we played with a classical striker. I think he is a player with big qualities who fits into every team."

Gundogan then added that Haaland could work well with Guardiola - perhaps the only doubt over whether he would be the right signing. Haaland's more direct style might need adapting slightly to slot into Guardiola's more possession-based build-up.

"I think Haaland and Guardiola would work at Manchester City. Haaland has the quality for every top team," said Gundogan.

It's not an endorsement of City signing Haaland, but it is an endorsement of Haaland - and of Haaland playing at City. Gundogan is always one to use his words carefully and will have expected questions on the topic. It's fair to assume he wouldn't complain if Haaland joined City next season.

City will not follow the Bayern Munich tactic of using the media to publicly declare their interest in another player to improve their position. So when they do speak, it will encourage fans that the dressing room are entertaining talk of Haaland joining them next season.