Liverpool have suffered a ‘huge blow’ in their pursuit of the Germany international Ilkay Gundogan according to the Mirror newspaper.

The daily tabloid claims that Gundogan is in advanced talks with Manchester City. The in-bound Pep Guardiola is understood to be lining the midfield playmaker up as a replacement for Yaya Toure next season.

The Sun newspaper has reported that dialogue between City and Gundogan’s representatives has commenced ahead of a potential summer switch.

The Germany international has been closely linked with Liverpool according to the Daily Star newspaper. Gundogan was heavily linked with a move away from Dortmund last summer but instead signed a one-year extension. The Germany international’s current deal expires in July 2017.

Gundogan missed Dortmund’s clash with Liverpool in the Europa League earlier this week but is expected to be back for next week’s return leg at Anfield.

The 25-year-old has seven assists and three goals in 36 appearances for Dortmund this season.

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