Ilkay Gundogan 'tells Barcelona' he is set to join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City

Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan is ready to snub a summer reunion with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool to join Manchester City instead, according to Sport. The Spanish publication claims Barcelona were also interested in securing his services but, he midfielder has told the Catalans he is going to be one of Pep Guardiola's first signings instead.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent years, with Manchester United and Arsenal both reportedly interested in securing his services last summer. But Liverpool emerged as a potential candidate since Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers earlier in October, as the midfielder was a key component of his title-winning side at Borussia Dortmund.

German newspaper Bild sparked speculations earlier this week after revealing Gundogan told Dortmund he will not sign a new deal when his contract expires in 2017, meaning that they would need to cash in on him this summer in order to receive a transfer fee. Reports in England saw the news as a boost for Klopp's intentions to reunite with the midfielder at Liverpool.

However, Sport now claims that Gundogan will join Manchester City instead.

The Spanish publication indicates that Barcelona were closely monitoring the situation of the Germany international. Last summer they had even reached a pre-contract agreement with the player, before opting to sign Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid instead.

Sport now says that Gundogan told Barcelona there is no need to discuss terms about a move this summer, as he is going to move to the Etihad Stadium with Guardiola instead.

Gundogan recently admitted that his future at the Bundesliga giants was uncertain.

"There will be a decision at one point, but it depends on various factors," he said to Sky Sport in Germany. "Time will bring a decision, which hopefully will be very fair for everyone involved. We have nothing to hide, and we'll announce something when we have something to announce."