Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola 'is considering Joshua Kimmich as Ilkay Gundogan's replacement'

Manchester City boss boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly considering Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan.

Kimmich has emerged as one of the world's best midfielders since making his Munich debut under Guardiola in 2015.

However, the adaptive midfielder, like so many of his club team-mates, has endured a frustrating season with Bayern, who suffered a setback in their hopes of winning Bundesliga and have been eliminated from the Champions League as well as the German cup.

With the potential departure of Gundogan, who is out of contract at the end of the season, Kimmich could replace his Germany team-mate at the Etihad, according to The Sun.

Kimmich is said to be seeking a new challenge and his ability to play in defence and midfield has appealed Man City.

Bayern have also told City they can't afford the £60million asking price for Joao Cancelo and may use Kimmich as a makeweight to secure the full back's signing permanently.

Bayern are in a strong negotiating position given Kimmich's existing contract still has two years left to run and would likely command a transfer fee that exceeds their current record departure of Lewandowski for £42.5million last summer.

Barcelona are also keen on the midfielder, with president Joan Laporta reportedly keen to land him as a cheaper alternative to Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.

Meanwhile, Gundogan's future at City remains unclear but could yet still remain with the Premier League champions.

City clinched the Premier League title after Arsenal's defeat at Nottingham Forest ensured the league leaders cannot be caught.

And in the aftermath, Gundogan took time to thank staff, team-mates and supporters in helping City claim their third Premier League title in a row.

Gundogan said: 'To have helped the Club win a third straight Premier League title is something very special.

'The Premier League is without doubt the most demanding and competitive league in the world so that tells you everything about what an achievement this is. This squad is so talented and so special and to have been captain this season has been an enormous privilege.'

'I would also like to thank Pep, all the backroom staff and everyone who works across this football club. Every single day they help provide us as players with everything we need in order to try to be successful. There is no way we could have won this title without all their support.'