Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly a target for Barcelona in the upcoming January transfer window. 

The Lowdown: Gundogan's contract at Man City

The midfielder's current contract at the Etihad Stadium is set to expire at the end of June, meaning that he could leave the club as a free agent at that point unless he signs a new deal before then.

The 32-year-old, who will be representing Germany at the upcoming World Cup, has recently been linked with a move away from City, with Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich reportedly interested in signing him.

However, with the January transfer window approaching, it appears that another club have their eyes on the City midfielder.

The Latest: Barcelona eyeing Gundogan

According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona see Gundogan as a potential target for the upcoming winter transfer window if they cannot land their primary Etihad target Bernardo Silva.

The report adds that the 32-year-old is a big fan of the La Liga club and could be persuaded to join Xavi's side.

The Verdict: City must keep hold of Gundogan

Since joining City six years ago, Gundogan - who is now the club captain - has gone on to make 273 appearances in sky blue across all competitions, scoring 51 goals, providing 35 assists and winning numerous trophies along the way.

Having appeared in all but two of City's games this season, this highlights just how important he is for Pep Guardiola, who has shared his admiration for the player in the past, and why it would be a big blow for him to leave the club in January.

Lauded as a "magical" player by journalist Ian McCullough in the past, the £140k-per-week midfielder has the fourth-highest number of shot-creating actions (40) in the league this season at City, along with the fourth-highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (19).

This showcases just how effective a midfield option he is for Guardiola and why the club should look to offer the Germany maestro a new contract.