Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils do battle with City in race for Ilkay Gundogan - reports

Manchester pair set the lock horns over hot prospect

(Getty)

Manchester United are preparing to do battle with rivals City in the race to sign £20m-rated Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan.

The two Premier League giants are desperate to strengthen in the summer after indifferent campaigns, and Dortmund are likely to see a fire-sale take place once Jurgen Klopp has left at the end of the season.

According to the Daily Star, Arsenal are ready to make it a three-way English fight for the German midfielder.

Louis van Gaal (GETTY IMAGES)

Meanwhile United believe playmaker Gundogan could prove to be the long-term successor to vice-captain Michael Carrick.

The 24-year-old may, however, be set to sign for the blue half of Manchester as Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel wants City striker Edin Dzeko.

Should the two parties be able to agree a cash+player arrangement, United could be cut out of the negotiations.