Manchester United have made contact with Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan‘s uncle Ilhan over a move, according to Express [via Daily Star].
However, their advances were rejected, and the Germany international looks set to stay at the Westfalenstadion for the foreseeable future. As the 24-year-old signed a new contract that lasts until 2017 with BVB just last month [ESPN], this is not surprising. What is more unusual is the fact that the Red Devils attempted to sign him at all.
Both Barcelona and United attempted to sign the midfielder earlier in the summer, but Gundogan signed a new deal and their interest appeared to dissipate. It is unknown whether the Premier League outfit will make further attempts to sign the player before the transfer window closes.
Manager Louis van Gaal has already seen players such as Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi either sign new contracts or move to other clubs despite interest from Old Trafford over the last few months. Going back to their old targets may be a last gasp measure to try and bring some new faces to the club.
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However, with Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger already joining the club, it may be best to go after a player who doesn’t play in central midfield.