Manchester United have identified Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan as the leading contender to fill Michael Carrick 's midfield role . United are eyeing a £20.5million deal for the central midfielder , and reports emanating from Germany on Friday indicated a deal is now close - though those claims were later denied . United will seek to sign Carrick 's successor this summer as part of another huge spending frenzy . Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund ace Ilkay Gundogan . Gundogan vies for the ball with Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal in the Champions League . Dortmund 's ball-playing midfielder Gundogan has been watched extensively by United and has emerged as their primary target . Van Gaal has an intrinsic knowledge of the Bundesliga and believes the 24-year-old has the ability to take over from Carrick on a long-term basis . Carrick , who recently signed a new 12 month extension , will continue to be part of Van Gaal 's plans next season - but the club are planning for life without him . Louis van Gaal believes the midfielder is the perfect replacement for current midfielder Michael Carrick . Van Gaal has been hugely impressed with Carrick 's contribution at Old Trafford this season . The England international 's passing range and ability to dictate the pace of a match has been a key feature for United this season . But at the age of 33 , the Dutchman knows the midfielder is in the twilight of his career , while the amount of time Carrick has spent injured this season is also a worry . Gundogan vies for the ball with Hannover ace Horoshi Kiyotake at Signal Iduna Park .
Manchester United is closing in on a deal for midfielder Ilkay Gundogan . Louis van Gaal have agreed £20.5million fee with Borussia Dortmund . Germany international has scored nine goals in 75 games for Dortmund . Arsenal were also linked with a move for the 24-year-old midfielder .