Real Madrid have turned down the opportunity to sign Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer, according to reports.
Gundogan, 32, was made Manchester City captain this summer and has played 273 games in six years at the club. However, the Germany international has yet to be tied down to a contract extension while his current agreement with the Premier League champions ends next summer.
It means he is free to speak with overseas clubs about a potential move from next month. But it appears as though one European heavyweight has rejected the chance to sign him.
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Spanish outlet Defensa Central suggest Gundogan and other would-be free agents have been offered to Real and other elite potential suitors already. However, while Madrid are expected to revive an ageing midfield, Gundogan has not been deemed a viable option.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have excelled in tandem over several years at the Santiago Bernabeu and beyond and Casemiro was moved on this summer. Madrid are bringing through Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, and are also reported to be among the favourites to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
Elsewhere, reports from Foot Mercato indicate City are leading the race to sign Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol as well as tabling their first offer for the player. Gvardiol, 20, has emerged as a top talent at the World Cup having also earned praise for his development at RB Leipzig.
Foot Mercato credit City with interest in the centre-back and they are understood to have offered £86million with add-ons for his signature. The same article highlights bids from Chelsea and Manchester United as Tottenham weigh up a follow-up approach.
Gvardiol only signed for the German outfit from Dinamo Zagreb last summer. His contract expires in 2027.
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