City's Gundogan targets comeback

ILKAY Gundogan hopes to be fit enough to play a part in Manchester City's pre-season programme.

The Germany midfielder saw his first season at City, following a £20million move from Borussia Dortmund last summer, ended prematurely in December by a knee injury.

The 26-year-old has now returned to training, reporting back ahead of the rest of the squad following the summer break, and hopes to be back on a field in the coming weeks.

City have lined up four matches - three in the International Champions Cup in the United States - before beginning their Premier League campaign at Brighton on August 12.

Gundogan told City TV: "It is going well. I am training hard."