Gundogan's father puts United on alert after claiming Dortmund star is ready to leave



Manchester United and Real Madrid are on red alert after the future of Borussia Dortmund midfield star Ilkay Gundogan is 'completely open' according to his father and agent.

Gundogan, who has missed the majority of this season through injury, has long been a high profile target at Old Trafford.

The German international, who joined Dortmund from Nurnberg in 2011 and scored his team’s only goal in the Champions League Final last May, played his last game exactly six months ago tomorrow, when he had to leave the field due to a back problem during Germany’s friendly against Paraguay.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Ilkay Gundogan score a belter from Dortmund



Goodbye kiss? Ilkay Gundogan celebrates after scoring for Dortmund but is he on his way out?

Play-maker: The 23-year-old German is seen as one of the brightest emerging talents at present

An inflamed nerve in his back has kept him out of action ever since, with a brief return to full training during the winter break cut short by illness. The 23-year-old is currently limited to light fitness training as he attempts once again to rebuild his recovery.

His prolonged absence from the Dortmund side has only served to fuel rumours that the club may seek to sell him this summer. Gundogan’s contract expires in 2015, meaning the club would have to sell him in the next window if they were to receive a fee. Alongside United, Barcelona and above all Real Madrid are said to be interested in signing the midfielder.

His father and agent Irfan Gundogan told German football magazine 'kicker' today that his son’s primary concern was to return to full fitness, and only then would they seriously discuss his future. He insisted, though, that 'everything is open'.

New home? Gündogan could be set for a move to Manchester with other United players likely to move on

On par? Ilkay Gündogan impressive form has seen him be compared to Barcelona pass master Xavi

Should he return to full fitness and form, Gundogan would certainly be a coup for United manager David Moyes. Seen by many as already being on a level with the likes of Xavi, the Dortmund player’s technical excellence and versatility would make him an invaluable addition to United’s much maligned midfield.

For the player himself, the move may not be as unlikely as it seems. Should Dortmund succeed in keeping hold of Real Madrid loanee Nuri Şahin, places in the defensive midfield will remain more competitive at Dortmund than United, with Sven Bender and veteran Sebastian Kehl also fighting for their place.

United would also have the luxury of not being forced to compete with FC Bayern for Gundogan’s signature, with the German Champions long having ruled out a bid for the player.

Spanish flavor: Real Madrid could also be in the hunt for German star Gündogan's talents

On his way out: Robert Lewandowski has signed for rivals Bayern Munich and will make the switch in summer

Persuading Gundogan not to join Real Madrid if he were to leave, however, would be quite another matter. Not only are the Spanish giants more likely to be playing Champions League football than United next season, they also have the advantage of potential swap deals.

Rumours were already circulating last month that Dortmund, who desperately need a replacement for Bayern-bound striker Robert Lewandowski, may look to acquire Karim Benzema in return for Gundogan.