Pep Guardiola admits Gundogan could leave for Barcelona

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hopes that star midfielder Ilkay Gundogan will extend his contract at the Etihad, but also knows that Spanish club Barcelona want to sign the German international. Gundogan lifted the treble last season as City's captain but his contract will soon expire.

The player had a superb campaign last season for City, and is seen as a club legend for the number of trophies that he helped the Etihad club lift during his tenure at the club.

But the interest of Barcelona could be too much to persuade him to ink a new deal with Guardiola's club.

Guardiola told reporters: "I know that they are very interested and City is also very interested. We are both very interested. I hope he stays with us, but if he finally decides to come to Barça he will make an extraordinary signing.

"I know that Barça wants him and that Xavi has called him many times. We want him to continue because we believe he is a very important player for us, but if in the end he decides to go to Barcelona I will tell him that he will have a great time."