Real Madrid Want Negotiations with Manchester United Target Gundogan

Real Madrid are desperate to open negotiations with Manchester United target Ilkay Gundogan, according to the midfielder's father.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder remains one of the most sought after players in Europe and as speculation regarding his future at the Bundesliga giants begins to mount with just 18 months left on his contract, Carlo Ancelotti's side are desperate to beat their rivals to the Germany international's signature.

The 23-year-old picked up a back injury on the first day of the season that has kept him on the side lines for the entire campaign, during which time the midfielder also put his talks with the club regarding a new deal on hold until his recovery is complete.

Real Madrid are hopeful those talks never commence as they aim to enter negotiations with the Dortmund man as soon as possible.

"The interest from Madrid in my son is considerable, Irfan Gundogan, the midfielder's father, told Spanish newspaper AS.

"They want to negotiate.

"Right now, we can do nothing until Ilkay has completely recovered from his back injury. We will enter into a discussion as soon as he is completely back on the pitch."

United have been linked with a sensational double swoop for Gundogan and his Dortmund teammate Marco Reus, and the former's formidable presence in the centre of midfield would certainly provide United with the added steel and control they sometimes miss in the centre of the park.

Having played a pivotal role in Jurgen Klopp's side following his move from Nurnberg in 2011, Gundogan has previously admitted that it is a personal dream of his to one day ply his trade in the Premier League or La Liga.

"It is not reprehensible to answer such questions (of a future career in England or Spain) with 'yes'," Gundogan said in April of this year.

"Everyone has a childhood dream on what he would like to achieve one day and my dream always was to play in England or Spain."