Van Gaal set sights on Gundogan

English giants Manchester United are reportedly planning a move for Borussia Dortmund player Ilkay Gundogan in January.

New manager Louis van Gaal is keen on strengthening the midfield at Old Trafford, and was hoping to bring in AS Roma’s Dutch footballer Kevin Strootman to the Premier League. But the Serie A side have made it clear that the 24-year-old is not for sale.

The Red Devils were also chasing Juventus star Arturo Vidal in the summer, but any deal failed to come through due to the 27-year-old’s injury concerns. However, reports suggest that United have put another offer on the table for a possible move in January, but the Zebras are reluctant to part ways with the Chilean international.

Van Gaal has now started to look for alternatives to the two players and if reports in Daily Express are to be believed, the Dutchman has set his sights on the German international.

Gundogan joined the Black and Yellows from Nuremburg in 2011, and has since then made 84 appearances for the Signal Iduna Park outfit scoring on 10 occasions.

The 23-year-old, who will play his first match next week since August 2013, also has eight international caps to his name for the Eagles.