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Borussia Dortmund demand Manchester City transfer target Ilkay Gundogan decides future

By AFP

Wednesday 11 May 2016 16:39, UK

Ilkay Gundogan not re-signing for Borussia Dortmund
Image: Ilkay Gundogan has been urged to make a decision on his long-term future

Borussia Dortmund have told injury-hit Manchester City transfer target Ilkay Gundogan to either leave at the end of the season or sign a long-term contract extension.

Bayern Munich announced the signing of Dortmund's captain Mats Hummels on a five-year deal on Tuesday, but Dortmund are looking to keep hold of their other stars as they plan for next season when they will be back in the Champions League.

Gundogan's agent met with City's director of sport Txiki Begiristain in Amsterdam in March and, according to reports in the German media, the deal is set to be finalised at the end of the season.

Ilkay Guendogan is courting interest from Man City, Juventus and Barcelona
Image: Gundogan has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester City, Juventus and Barcelona

But the situation has been complicated after Gundogan, who has a year left on his Dortmund contract, dislocated his kneecap in training last week.

The injury has ruled the 25-year-old out of next month's Euro 2016 with Germany and no date has been given as to when he can play again.

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Gundogan spent more than a year out with a back injury
Image: Gundogan spent more than a year out with a back injury before his recent knee problem

"I have spoken to him, he's very down after another serious injury. He knows we'll stand by him," Dortmund's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told local newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten.

"There are two options, which we have discussed with Ilkay for a while. Either he leaves or he stays and extends his contract, but it must be long-term."

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Gundogan missed most of the 2013-14 season, including Germany's World Cup triumph, with a back injury.

In recent seasons, he has signed only one-year contract extensions, but Dortmund want a longer commitment and Watzke says contract discussions with midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan are ongoing.

Mats Hummels has hit back over Dortmund's statement saying he is leaving for Bayern, saying everything is possible
Image: Mats Hummels will become the latest Dortmund player to join Bayern Munich this summer

Hummels will play his final league game for Dortmund at home to Cologne on Saturday and Watzke says the farewell will have to be handled sensitively.

The Germany centre-back was booed and jeered during Dortmund's previous home game after news first broke that he would join Bayern next season.

Hummels has become the latest Borussia star, after Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski, to join Bayern, but Watzke hopes there will be no more negativity from the Dortmund fans.

"I'd be happy if the whole club showed how big we are," said Watzke. "There is no reason for bitterness. We respect his decision."