PEP LOADS THE GUN

German midfield ace primed to make a stunning return

- DAVID ANDERSON

IT LOOKED impossible when Ilkay Gundogan said goodbye to Manchester City last summer after seven trophy-laden years – but now his return is on.

Gundogan wants to return to the Etihad after Barcelona said they cannot afford to keep the former Germany star.

City have been alerted after Barca admitted they needed to sell Gundogan (inset) to comply with spending rules and make way for new £50m signing Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig.

Gundogan, 33, is understood to earn just over £300,000 a week at the Nou Camp, where his contract runs until 2026, and they want to get him off their wage bill to allow them to register Olmo with La Liga.