Barcelona interested in Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan

Barcelona are reportedly showing serious interest in snapping up Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City at the end of the season with the midfielder's contract due to expire.

According to The Telegraph, the Blaugrana are looking to bolster their midfield ranks with free transfers, and while they did consider N'Golo Kante, he now looks set to pen a new deal at Chelsea. The Spanish side are now expected to turn their attention to Ilkay Gundogan at the end of the season.

Barcelona are still in a tight financial situation after years of questionable spending and have decided to improve head coach Xavi's squad through smart signings and Bosman deals.

Barcelona have room for at least one midfielder with Sergio Busquets nearing the end of his career and Frank Kessie uninspiring.

The German midfielder has played an integral role for City since joining the club and although he has taken on the role of captain after Fernandinho left last summer, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of a new challenge.

Barcelona are currently on an upward trajectory with Xavi and a move to Spain should offer Gundogan a tremendous opportunity to prolong an already stellar career.