Stuttgart stand firm on Leno

Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno finds himself in a tug of war with his parent club Stuttgart who insist he will not be sold once his loan deal expires.

The 19-year-old has been impressive since his temporary move in August and has made it clear that he wants to stay permanently.

“My feelings clearly are with Bayer 04, because the club has really helped me,” Leno told Bild.

“I feel comfortable here and have confidence playing in Leverkusen.”

Reports in Germany claimed Leverkusen were willing to pay up to five million euros to buy Leno.

But Stuttgart president Gerd Mauser has other ideas and warned only a mega offer could change his mind over a sale.

“Leno is a crown jewel. He embodies the concept of a young and hungry player. We will not sell him,” Mauser told Die Welt.

“To even think about it, a spectacular offer would have to come.”

Leverkusen take on Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Friday.