Ilkay Gundogan to end uncertainty over his future and sign new Man City contract

Ilkay Gundogan has ended the uncertainty over his future by agreeing a new long-term deal at Manchester City.

The Germany international is set to sign an extension that is expected to tie him to the club for at least another three years beyond next summer.

Pep Guardiola was determined to keep hold of the former Borussia Dortmund player as he entered the final year of his deal.

But negotiations proved protracted - sparking fears he would walk away for nothing at the end of the season.

City’s intention was to let him run down his contract, even if he refused the offer of a new deal.

But his decision to commit his future to the Premier League champions is a relief to Guardiola - particularly with David Silva set to leave in the summer.

Discussing his future after Sunday’s shootout win against Liverpool in the Community Shield, Gundogan said: “Every situation is different and individual. Everyone has to take a decision for himself.

“These kind of decisions sometimes take a little bit of time.

“During last season I asked people to be patient because it’s a decision you make for the next few years.”

City picked up the first piece of silverware of the season at Wembley and delivered a psychological blow to last season’s Premier League runners up Liverpool.

Goals from Raheem Sterling and Joel Matip saw the game end 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Claudio Bravo saving Georginio Wijnaldum’s spot kick in the shootout to secure victory for Guardiola’s side.

And City’s manager saw enough to convince him Liverpool will pose a serious threat to his hopes of winning a hat-trick of titles.

“We’re so happy, but we also realised what team we’re facing for the rest of the season: the champions of Europe,” said the Catalan. “That's why we need a lot of credit for the way we played - especially in the first half and the way we defended.

“They are a top class team. The difference is one point ahead, one penalty.

“That's the difference, it's minimal. Sometimes the coin is on your side, sometimes not.

“It's good to face them to see that's the team we're going to face this season and we know how well prepared we have to be to win the titles.”