Rumour: Manchester United prepare ambitious bid for Ilkay Gundogan

Reports have linked Manchester United with a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. The German midfielder has barely played this season due to a back injury, but the Mirror report that Manchester United are still set to make a £24 million move for the Dortmund man.

United are eager to recruit a number of players to boost their ailing side, with manager David Moyes set for two busy transfer windows in 2013. Moyes has reportedly been handed a hefty budget to bolster the side, and has identified midfield as the main area in which he needs to strengthen.

Gundogan has played just 56 minutes of football this season, having sustained a back injury in August. However Moyes is still rumoured to be interested in making a move for the midfielder, who has 18 months remaining on his contract at Dortmund.

The 23 year old played 28 Bundelsiga games last season, scoring three goals and providing three assists. He also has 11 international caps for Germany, and is viewed by Moyes as the long term answer to his current midfield problems.

Gundogan had an 87% pass accuracy last season. No other Dortmund player scored higher.