Real have first option on Gundogan

Spanish daily newspaper Marca understands that Real have agreed the right of first refusal on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

The highly rated footballer has seen his name linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs and everything suggests he will be leaving the Millionaires in the summer.

Namely, with his contract due to expire in June 2015 and Gundogan not interested in signing a new deal, Borussia will have no choice but to cash in on him at the end of the season.

According to Marca, Real Madrid have already secured the first option on the Germany international, although they have some doubts over the player’s back injury.

Gundogan has missed the entire first part of the season with a back problem, and los Blancos want to make sure the injury is in the past before they make their interest concrete.

Real Madrid, priced at 11/4 for the league title, are hoping to get their title bid back on track seeing as how they currently sit five points behind leaders Barcelona.