Old Trafford side ready to switch focus of attention.
Man United boss Louis van Gaal has apparently identified Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan as a viable alternative to long term target Kevin Strootman and Arturo Vidal according to the Daily Express.
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The 23 year old German international has suffered something of an injury nightmare of late, making just one Bundesliga start in the past 18 months, but now fighting fit Gundogan expects to be part of Jurgen Klopp’s first team plans.
“I am now available. The plan is that I am fully integrated into the team as soon as the national players are back.
“I am assuming that I am in the squad on the weekend against FC Cologne.”
It may not be quite so easy for Gundogan to force his way into a midfield slot given the presence of Shinji Kagawa, Nuri Sahin and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and as such van Gaal may be wise to keep a firm eye on his situation at the Westfalenstadion.
Man United’s interest in AS Roma star Kevin Strootman may well have been derailed by the Serie A side’s inflated £75m valuation whilst Juventus playmaker Arturo Vidal’s recent off field antics may well lead to the Premier League cooling their interest in the Chilean.