Manchester United Transfer News: Ricardo Rodriguez Talks, Ilkay Gundogan Rumours

The agent of star Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Rodriguez has revealed Manchester United have contacted him regarding a potential summer transfer, fuelling rumours the Red Devils are looking to make a number of big splashes when the market opens.

As reported by the Daily Mail's Ashley Clements, Gianluca di Domenico, who represents the full-back, told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport United have called to enquire about his client, but Wolfsburg are not interested in a deal:

"I can say that United have called for information, but that Wolfsburg do not want to give in. With Real there was nothing official."

The Switzerland international was high on the club's transfer wishlist before the arrival of youngster Luke Shaw, per Clements, and with the England international failing to fully convince during his first season at Old Trafford, it's no surprise to hear the same rumours.

MailOnline Sport is already fearing for the 19-year-old's spot in Louis van Gaal's starting XI:

Rodriguez is enjoying another fine season in the Bundesliga, scoring six goals and adding three assists across all competitions, per WhoScored.com. The 22-year-old flies somewhat under the radar due to the fact he plays in Germany, but his consistency should see him ranked among the top left-backs in the sport today.

There's reportedly plenty of interest in his services, and as a result, it's only normal to hear his agent talk up his value. Along with United Real Madrid are also reportedly interested, as the agent mentioned during the interview.

Rodriguez would be a fantastic addition for just about every top club, combining pace and technique with excellent defensive instincts. He's still quite young and developing as a player, but even now, he would walk into most starting XIs around the globe.

Prying him loose from Wolfsburg won't be easy, however. The Germans have rapidly assembled a fantastic squad and are knocking on the door of the Champions League, establishing themselves as Bayern Munich's top rivals in the Bundesliga.

As shared by Bleacher Report's Clark Whitney, their transfer strategy has been impressive, and they haven't really lost any key players the last two years:

Convincing Die Wolfe to sell won't be an easy task, and even then, Rodriguez's price tag will be significant. With Shaw also still in the squad, having two high-priced youngsters may be too much of a good thing.

United may be looking at another Bundesliga star to join the club, as Fichajes.net (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson) claims the club is close to signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan:

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Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Borussia Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan, according to reports.

Gundogan, who is currently stalling on signing a new contract with Dortmund, has emerged as a key target for United.

And after reports claiming that the pass-master is ready to move to Old Trafford, claims in Spain say the Red Devils are close to doing a deal.

It is understood United are very confident of doing business and believe Gundogan would be a superb addition.

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The Germany international has struggled with injuries the past two seasons and is currently involved in contract negotiations with Dortmund, which aren't going well, per Sanderson.

He provides plenty of value as a versatile option in the centre of the pitch, bringing both creativity and an eye for a pass, as well as a defensive presence. And while United have a number of players who can contribute further up the pitch, the deep-lying midfielder position remains an issue.

Juan Mata is one of those midfielders specialising in the attacking department, and while Bleacher Report's Alex Dimond expects the Spain international to stay with United for the time being, a spot could open up should the right offer come along:

Fans shouldn't start celebrating the arrival of Gundogan just yet, however. There are no reports coming from Dortmund or Manchester regarding a potential transfer, and until one of the parties involved speaks out on the matter, it's difficult to gauge what to make of the latest news.

Gundogan remains a good player even after multiple serious injuries, but per StatsBomb's Ted Knutson, he grades out significantly lower than he did before the back problems that saw him miss out on the 2014 World Cup, via Goal's Alec Fenn:

The 24-year-old would likely present good value on the market, given his current contract status—under contract until 2016—but there's no reason to rush into anything at this point.

Dortmund and Gundogan are still negotiating, and while little progress has been made between both parties, it's possible the two sides come together before long. If that doesn't happen, Van Gaal and Co. would be smart to revisit these rumours once the window opens.

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