Manchester City hit ‘significant differences’ during crunch contract talks with star midfielder

Officials at Manchester City holding talks with club captain Ilkay Gundogan have hit ‘significant differences’ over a possible new contract, it has been reported.

The Germany international continues to approach the expiration date of his most recently signed Manchester City contract, meaning he would be free to leave the club at the end of the ongoing season.

Gundogan continues to play a crucial role in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City system, and having been the Catalan boss’ first signing upon joining the club in the summer of 2016, the expectation is that there is a desire for the former Borussia Dortmund man to remain.

However, as a result of personal factors and his age within the game, both parties have specific requirements when it comes to contractual negotiations, and as such they are causing delays and problems in reaching a conclusion.

This week, one report has detailed the first round of talks between Manchester City and representatives of the club’s captain, describing the situation as being ‘far’ from any agreement.

That is according to a new report from Pol Ballus of The Athletic, who states that Manchester City have held meetings with Ilkay Gundogan’s camp ‘in the last few weeks’ to discuss the possibility of an extension to his expiring contract.

However, the two parties are reportedly ‘still far from an agreement’ after a first round of talks, with ‘significant differences’ over the length of any possible deal, as well as on ‘personal conditions’.

From the viewpoint of Manchester City, Pol Ballus reports that the Premier League champions would like an agreement that ‘reflects the fact he turns 33 next October’, but the prospect of both sides coming to terms has ‘not been fully dismissed’.

As contract talks remain ongoing, and Gundogan continues to entertain interest from potential suitors in Europe, Manchester City themselves will continue with their own plans at possibly refreshing the central midfield position.

There is a feeling of hope within the Etihad Stadium that they could win the race for their number one central midfield target this summer: Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham – despite strong interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool.

The Bundesliga side are expected to demand a fee north of £120 million, which could severely limit the list of possible interested parties, but is unlikely to push Manchester City away from a deal.