Barcelona head coach Xavi has reportedly asked the club to make a move for Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan this summer, with the player's contract with the Premier League side expiring at the conclusion of this campaign.
The German international joined the Citizens from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 and has helped the English outfit to win four Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola.
The 32-year-old has once again been a regular figure for the current champions in the league, starting 20 matches and providing six goal contributions so far this term.
According to The Athletic, Barcelona boss Xavi has made a "special request" to the club's hierarchy regarding the signing of Gundogan as his contract at the Etihad comes to an end.
The report adds that the player's move to Spain is now "likely" despite the Catalan outfit's current financial woes which have seen them offload players to reduce their hefty wage bill.
Barcelona will be hoping that Gundogan walks into a title-winning squad in the summer, with Xavi's side currently 12 points clear of fierce rivals Real Madrid in the La Liga standings.
Carter White
