Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gündogan has put pen to paper on a new deal which will keep him at Signal Iduna Park until 30 June 2016.
The Germany international, 23, has endured an injury-ridden 2013/14 campaign, having made just three appearances in all competitions.
Gündogan, who has been sidelined since picking up a back injury in an international friendly against Paraguay on 14 August, has been the subject of reported interest from a host of top European clubs this season.
According to reports, the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid have been courting Gündogan but the 23-year-old ace has decided to commit his future to Dortmund.
“I’m very grateful to my club for giving me the chance to continue to be a part of such a special team and environment,” said the former 1. FC Nürnberg starlet.
“I’ll do everything I can to be able to help my team-mates out again as quickly as possible and I’m looking forward to the coming weeks and months with a lot of optimism.”
BVB sporting director Michael Zorc added: “Given the backdrop of his injury situation we’re especially pleased to award Ilkay this contract extension.”
“We hope he’ll be able to fulfill his potential for Dortmund next season.”
With six Bundesliga games remaining in 2013/14, BVB are 10 points clear of fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen in the race for an automatic UEFA Champions League place.
Die Schwarzgelben can all but book their rightful place in next year’s UCL with a win over Mainz at the weekend.
Dortmund (4/11); Mainz (13/2); Draw (4/1)
Diame hints at summer move
West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame has talked up a potential exit from Upton Park ahead of the summer transfer window.
Diame, who joined West Ham via free transfer in the summer of 2012, has proven to be one of the club’s best signings in recent years, rivaling the coup of Winston Reid from Danish Superliga side FC Midtjylland.
The Senegal international, who is under contract at West Ham until the end of next season, has been linked with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Fulham and Liverpool since arriving in East London.
Despite starting the current campaign on poor form, Diame has turned in a number of impressive performances over the past month, fueling speculation suggesting Liverpool are still keen on the player.
“Two years ago I wanted to join a team with ambitions,” said Diame.
“Overall, my season has been okay, although I think it is not up to last season. I started badly, but gradually I got my bearings.
“Liverpool? I can’t tell you if I will be a Liverpool player next season. But I think my name is still on their wanted list.
“I don’t hide it, I’m ambitious and I want to join a top-six side. I am 26 years old and it’s time to take that step.”
Diame has tallied four goals and two assists in 31 Premier League appearances for the Hammers this term.
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