Ilkay Gundogan edges towards Manchester City stay as Etihad officials change stance amid Barcelona interest

Manchester City are moving closer towards extending the contract of club captain Ilkay Gundogan, after amending their stance on the player’s contractual demands.

The Germany international has been in inspired form lately, driving his teammates and the club within touching distance of their fifth Premier League crown in the last six years as a direct result of his crucial goal contributions in recent matches.

Gundogan has recorded a total of four goals and two assists across his past four appearances, as well as breaking the record for the most touches and most completed passes in a single Premier League game against Leeds United.

However, the 32 year-old’s future has remained in doubt over the past few weeks, as his contract moves closer towards a natural expiry as a result of negotiations with his current employers failing to find an agreement.

Now, an incredible change in stance from those within the Etihad Stadium has moved themselves closer towards the demands of Ilkay Gundogan and as such, a prolonged stay for the man they originally signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016.

That is according to the information of The Times’ Jonathan Northcroft, who reports that Ilkay Gundogan is now ‘edging’ towards committing his future to Manchester City.

La Liga giants Barcelona are known to have offered the German a two-year contract with the option of a further year, as well as holding several rounds of talks with his representatives with the aim of securing a free transfer following the conclusion of the ongoing season.

However, after originally proposing a one-year contract to the midfielder, it is reported that Manchester City are now willing to offer Ilkay Gundogan a longer deal, with the player leaning towards recommitting to the Etihad Stadium as a result.

The Times states that both the Manchester City captain and his family are happy in England, and playing for Pep Guardiola has always been a significant draw, with the pair holding eachother in the highest regard.

The news will come as yet another major boost to all those connected with Manchester City, who will be hoping to keep the spirits at the highest possible level as they move closer towards achieving a historic treble this season.

A fifth Premier League crown in the last six years has been complimented by an FA Cup final against Manchester United next month, before a trip to Istanbul presents Manchester City with a fantastic opportunity to win their first Champions League title.

Inter will be the opponents in Turkey on June 10th, as Pep Guardiola looks to make amends for the heartache that was endured by Manchester City in Porto two years ago, as they fell at the final hurdle to Chelsea.