Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Ilkay Gundogan and Memphis Depay Rumours

Borussia Dortmund have moved to deny reports Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Ilkay Gundogan, but the Red Devils have new hope in their hunt to acquire PSV Eindhoven hotshot Memphis Depay.

Reports surfaced in recent days claiming Gundogan is set for Old Trafford this summer, but BVB sporting director Michael Zorc says there has been no contact between the two clubs, per Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News:

"There is no signature, no contract, no offer, no request and not even contact. The last time I talked to Manchester United was in November 2014 and that was about a different topic."

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Zorc makes no effort to go into detail regarding what the "different topic" could have been, but the comment sends out a firm statement on where negotiations sit with Gundogan at present.

Sky Sports reported on Friday that Gundogan was "close to agreeing" a transfer to United, with Dawson adding the midfielder's supposed price tag is said to be £21.5 million:

Gundogan signed a one-year contract extension last year that will see his deal at Signal Iduna Park expire at the end of next season, with Dortmund now in a dilemma regarding whether to sell now or risk losing their player for nothing.

Louis van Gaal strengthened his midfield last summer with the acquisitions of Ander Herrera and Daley Blind, while Marouane Fellaini has risen to become an important figure under the Dutchman's tutelage.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Gundogan missed the entire 2013-14 campaign with a spinal injury, but he has since come back into Jurgen Klopp's squad and is once again showing what a rounded box-to-box asset he can be this term.

With Michael Carrick sidelined, United suffered a 3-0 defeat at Everton on Sunday to show there is still room for improvement in their team, with Squawka's Greg Johnson suggesting Gundogan could be a great addition:

With Herrera showing an improved penchant for scoring in the latter half of this campaign, United's midfield make-up is looking close to complete, but Gundogan could be the last piece to finish their puzzle.

Klopp's reign at Dortmund coming to its end could also have a grave impact on which stars remain with the Bundesliga side this summer, and Gundogan's contract situation makes him a more susceptible target than most.

Memphis Depay's Agent Suggests Transfer Is Close

Dmitry Lovetsky/Associated Press

Another growing transfer rumour at Old Trafford of late would see Eredivisie top scorer Memphis Depay leave the Dutch outfit this season, and Van Gaal appears to be in pole position to land his signature.

And according to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, the deal could be just inches away after Carl Thomas, an agent working for SEG—who represent Depay—tweeted a picture of United's Carrington training facility on Friday:

On the face of things, Van Gaal would seem to possess an edge over his rivals in the race for Depay's services after coaching the youngster in his former position as Netherlands manager.

However, Luckhurst goes on to quote Van Gaal as saying his previous relationship with the player means little considering the wealth of players he's mentored in the past:

"I don't discuss it with the media. You know my answer. I have a lot of relationships with players so I cannot buy all the players that I have coached already."

FourFourTwo's Elko Born also provides quotes from Depay this weekend, hinting that despite advice not to reveal any inside information, the transfer could be as good as sealed:

Again, Depay looks all the more an enticing target following United's goalless defeat at Everton, during which they struggled to muster any threat on the opposition's goal.

Having bagged 21 goals in 28 league appearances this season, Depay could be the offensive spark needed by United, as the likes of Radamel Falcao and, to a lesser extent, Robin van Persie have failed to hit top form.

Ermindo Armino/Associated Press

Depay has played out wide for the national team and in his club past, but the player has found an altogether more clinical touch this term, often looked upon as PSV's spearhead.

It's uncertain if that would be Van Gaal's intention for the 21-year-old should he complete a move to United, but the player's representatives may have lifted the lid on where their client's future lies.