Germany international Ilkay Gundogan has been a star performer at Manchester City this season however, things could of been a whole lot different had Sir Alex Ferguson got his way.
According to the former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, Alex Ferguson had lined up three transfer targets ahead of the 2013 summer which he retired in.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Meulensteen revealed that Ferguson had his sights set on Ilkay Gundogan, Mats Hummels and Marco Reus.
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“We had very normal staff meetings regarding pre-season. That year we were going to Australia. Sir Alex even mentioned taking us to one of the best vineyards out there. I was looking forward to that!” Meulensteen told the MEN.
“We had possible scouting meetings, possible players we were looking at in terms of trying to build a picture of what we think we need. All that was ongoing.
“We looked at a few German players like Hummels, who went to Bayern Munich. I think we looked at Gundogan and Reus, too. There was a number of players but we never got that specific to really target them.”
Gundogan ended up making the move to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund for £20 million in 2016. The Germany international has gone onto establish himself as a key member of Pep Guardiola’s side. Gundogan is also expected to travel with Germany to the World Cup in Russia this summer.
The 27-year-old has registered seven assists and six goals in 45 appearances for Man City in all competitions this season.
Man City are back in action this weekend when they take on West Ham United in the Premier League.
