Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has refuted the rumors linking midfielder Ilkay Gundogan with a move to Manchester United.
On Friday, the German publication Der Westen claimed the German international would make a move from the Westfalionstadion to Old Trafford in the summer. As the day progressed more and more news outlets in Germany and England began picking up the story.
Then, late Friday evening Sky Sports News HD reported its sources had confirmed Manchester United were “close” to securing a £21.5 million deal which would see Gundogan become the club’s first German player this summer.
Sky Sports Germany would later report an agreement would be finalized this weekend.
But it now appears these stories are premature, or altogether false.
This morning, speaking prior to their match against Eintracht, Dortmund’s CEO denied any contact with Manchester United and stated that Gundogan had not asked to leave the club.
“If Ilkay tells us he doesn’t want to extend, then we’ll sit down and discuss it. But that hasn’t happened yet,” Watzke said.
“Media has to be careful. I’m not trying to be rude, but they can’t jump on everything they hear as they did yesterday.”
Gundogan’s current deal with Dortmund expires in June 2016.
While Watzke has denied any contact from Manchester United, there is the possibility the player’s representative has started negotiations on his own, or the club is opting to remain quiet until the deal is officially done.
Whatever the case, if Dortmund are made aware of Gundogan’s desire to leave Germany, the Bundesliga club will likely sign off on the transfer so to avoid the situation which saw striker Robert Lewandowski join Bayern Munich on a free transfer last season.
Gundogan was not included in Dortmund’s squad against Eintracht today. The midfielder did not train yesterday and is reportedly suffering from an illness.
