Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Ilkay Gundogan and Paul Pogba Rumours

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has suggested he could still remain with the German club for the 2015-16 season, despite signalling his intention to leave.

The playmaker also spoke of Manchester United and Barcelona's rumoured interest during an interview with SID (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star):

"

If I don't renew my contract that doesn't mean I won't stay until 2016. I'm not hell-bent on leaving by force and would be prepared to stay for another year if that suited both sides. If not then it is important that my current club gets an appropriate compensation—that's one of the reasons I extended my contract by one year last season.

The United rumours? I think if they were true, I would know about it. Barcelona are a great club, but there are many great clubs out there.

"

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

United were said to be "close" to signing Gundogan at the end of April, reported by Sky Sports. Barca, like Arsenal, were linked with the 24-year-old last year, reported by David Wright of the Express.

The Red Devils completed a deal for PSV Eindhoven forward Memphis Depay on Thursday, as tweeted by the club's website:

Interestingly, attention will now turn toward midfield, according to Jason Burt of The Telegraph, who believes a Paul Pogba-styled player is manager Louis van Gaal's main priority:

"

Priority for MUFC is a 'number 6' midfielder. Pogba-type. That will be key signing. Then a right-sided central defender, right-back, striker

— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) May 7, 2015"

Gundogan can easily fulfill a multi-functional role, and perhaps vitally, can dictate the tempo of possession with his quality on the ball. United need this, but as Burt's tweet alludes to, they also need muscle. Pogba's game is already so revered because he can dominate in attacking and defensive situations. He is physical, assertive, but also a goalscorer.

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Barcelona are among the many clubs to be linked with his signature, reported by Lluis Miguelsanz of Sport. Neymar, the Blaugrana's flying forward, recently admitted the squad would welcome him to the Camp Nou. The Brazilian spoke at a PokerStars press conference, reported by Sky Sports:

"

How he would fit, I don't know—you would have to ask the coach—but he is a great player and we would open the gates for him.

He is a great star. He is still young, even younger than me. He is a player with such quality, and that is always welcome.

"

The signing of Depay suggests United fans may see much of their summer business completed early. Van Gaal blamed last season's hectic preseason tour around the United States for his side's poor start to the season, reported by Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, so it's vital there's minimal disruption during the summer.

New players must be integrated quickly, especially as the manager needs time to install his philosophy. B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Thom Gibbs recently discussed potential signings:

Depay's deal certainly suggests Van Gaal is willing to spend in the right places. Although landing Pogba seems unlikely, United have the financial power to compete for most world-class players, particularly if Champions League football is attained.

Gundogan remains a distinct possibility and shouldn't be overlooked as a potentially key midfielder for the Old Trafford club. United need a ball-playing alternative to Michael Carrick, whose game-changing quality is conspicuous during his current spell of injury.