Ilkay Gundogan has been out of action for a year with a back injury.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has revealed that he is close to returning to full fitness, sparking the interest of long term admirers Manchester United, the Daily Star reports.
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The Red Devils were interested in the German international last year but the midfielder suffered a back injury and that has kept him on the treatment table for over a year.
However, the former FC Nurnberg star has now revealed that he is close to returning to the Dortmund first team.
He said: “I feel that I’m edging ever-closer to my former self.
“My comeback isn’t too far away any more. I could be back after the international break.
“I have already pencilled out the entire day and I will thoroughly enjoy my comeback. I felt like a 90-year-old when I had just picked up the injury.
“I never considered the option that I could be forced to retire from football, but it was obviously the worst experience of my career.”
Louis van Gaal is currently looking for a top quality midfielder to strengthen his side in January, with AS Roma enforcer Kevin Strootman thought to be his main target.
However, if the Dutchman is priced out of a move for Strootman, he may consider re-igniting United’s interest in Gundogan as long as the 23 year old’s return to first team football goes smoothly.
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