Manchester City has received a surprise counteroffer following their bid for Ajax star Frenkie De Jong.

The Citizens have been closely linked with the in-demand Netherlands international in recent weeks.

According to The Sun, City are hoping to sign De Jong in January in a deal worth £80 million.

However, Ajax have made a counter offer which included Ilkay Gundogan moving to the Eredivisie giants in return.

Per the source, Ajax are huge admirers of the former Borussia Dortmund man. The report goes onto state that talks between City and Ajax are at a ‘high level.’

The surprising offer is however unlikely to come to fruition seeing that Gundogan plays a key role in Pep Guardiola’s Man City side.

Gundogan has provided two assists and scored one goal in ten appearances for the Citizens this season.

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The 27-year-old missed City’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool earlier this month due to a hamstring injury and was removed from the Germany national team.

It is unclear whether Gundogan will be fit in time for Man City’s clash with Burnley on Saturday, October 20.

Gundogan made the move to City back in July 2016 and has two years remaining on his contract with the Manchester-based club.