Borussia Dortmund defensive midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has revealed that he has no plans to leave the two-time German champions amid reported interest from a number of clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, ESPN understands.
Gundogan, 22, completed 93% of his passes in Dortmund’s 3-0 win over Nurnberg last Friday, controlling the match from start to finish.
The 22-year-old Germany international has kept on loan Real Madrid and Turkey midfielder Nuri Sahin on the bench since his return to Signal Iduna Park.
Gundogan has featured in 27 matches for both club and country this season, tallying one goal and two assists.
Meanwhile, Sahin has racked up three goals and three assists — all for Liverpool — in 24 appearances in all competitions for club and country this term.
Nonetheless, Gundogan has welcomed the arrival of Sahin to the club, while also insisting that he was surprised that the deal was completed.
“I was rather surprised at the beginning. We have a strong and broad defensive midfield,” said Gundogan.
“Sahin is an outstanding, intelligent footballer, who can play great passes. I am convinced he can improve us on and off the pitch. He fits perfectly and makes us more flexible.
“His arrival means even bigger competition. Who wants to start has to show even more. But the main reason for my good games is another one: I am up to scratch.”
Everton keen on Balazs Megyeri
Everton has renewed their interest in Olympiakos goalkeeper Balazs Megyeri after tabling an offer for the Hungarian shot-stopper last summer, according to the player’s agent.
Megyeri, 22, is coming off a fantastic season with Olympiakos, but Roy Carroll — formerly of Manchester United — is keeping the Hungarian on the bench at the moment.
However, the 22-year-old has been put back into the side following injury to the aforementioned Carroll.
Everton, FC Schalke 04 and a host of clubs from Spain are tracking Megyeri, according to his agent Janos Hrutka.
“I can confirm the interest of Everton, Schalke and there has also been interest from teams in Spain,” Hrutka told Nemzeti Sport.
“Everton made a financially good offer last summer but Balazs stayed in Athens as we thought it better for him to continue his career in Greece instead of starting a new one in England. And Olympiakos wanted him to stay too.
“At the moment there’s an interest from the Premier League but fortunately his situation has improved at Olympiakos.
“Next week will be important regarding his future as Hungary have an international game which could improve his value.”
At the moment, Greek giants Olympiakos are 14 points clear of second-place Asteras Tripoli, with the club surely set for another run in the UEFA Champions League in 2013-14.
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