Gundogan 'delaying new deal after hearing of Barcelona interest'

Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly stalling on a new deal at Manchester City to see if Spanish giants Barcelona firm up their interest in him.

The Germany international has just enjoyed one of his finest season, and was a candidate for Pep Guardiola's player of the season as City stormed to a title victory and Carabao Cup win.

City are looking to tie the star down to a longer contract yet Barca have made their initial interest known and the player himself is now waiting to see what happens next, according to the Sun.

Gundogan, 30, has just two years to run on his existing deal at the Etihad.

He has now spent the last five years at the club and was the first signing of Guardiola when he took over as City boss.

Large sections of Gundogan's time in England have been hampered by injury however, and it was only the most recent campaign which actually saw him sustain a solid run in the side,

Barca's recent failure to land Gini Wijnaldum on a free transfer from Liverpool means they will have to step up their search elsewhere.

The Dutchman was set to sign on the dotted line, until PSG arrived to hijack the move at the eleventh hour.

Wijnaldum was offered better terms in the French capital, and has agreed in principle a three-year deal with the club.

Were City to go on and part ways with Gundogan, the club have been linked with a summer move for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.