Ilkay Gundogan to remain at Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has revealed that he is close to signing a new long-term contract with the Champions League finalists.

The 22-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best midfielders in European football, has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer.

However, he told Kicker: "I am very, very grateful to this club and I know what I have here. The club has helped me to mature a lot and find my way into the national team.

"As soon as I get back, I am going to talk with my family and my father will then sit down with [Dortmund's general manager Hans-Joachim] Watzke and [director of sport Michael] Zorc. I am definitely going to be playing for Dortmund next season."

Gundogan, who is a regular in the Germany side, has two years remaining on his current deal.