Borussia Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted contract talks with Ilkay Gundogan are being slowed by interest from European clubs.
Gundogan, 25, has entered the final 14 months on his current deal with the Bundesliga outfit and the club are working tirelessly to get the central midfielder to commit his long-term future.
However, the Dortmund head coach admits negotiations have been hard amid interest from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United.
“The importance of Ilkay is undisputed - I would like to tell you he has extended until 2026, unfortunately that is not the case,” Tuchel is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“But we are in talks. We have a good chance. The interest in Gundogan is great, which is why talks are not very easy.”
Since the start of the season, no player has won possession more times in the midfield third than Gundogan in the Bundesliga (87).
For more stats on Ilkay Gundogan, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
