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Borussia Dortmund make DESPERATE late plea to keep Man Utd and Barca target at club
BORUSSIA DORTMUND chief Hans-Joachim Watzke says the club are still in talks with Ilkay Gundogan.
Ilkay Gundogan's top footballing achievements
Gundogan has announced that he wants to leave Dortmund this summer despite having a year left on his contract.
The German international has rejected fresh terms at the Bundesliga outfit and is said to have held talks with Barcelona over a move.
Manchester United are also said to be keen on the player but Watzke believes he can still be persuaded to stay.
He told Der Westen Sports: "The door for an extension was never closed from our side."
"Maybe there is still a chance after all that he changes his mind. We are in talks."
Last week Gundogan took to Facebook to address speculation about his future, saying: "Normally I do not address media reports, especially not on Facebook. I want to this time to explain some things and give you a better insight.
"In recent weeks, I, like you, read again and again that where I was signing was already agreed.
"Today I am in contract negotiations here, tomorrow I'm having a medical check there. At first I could still smile about it, but when there was talk of "contract poker" and "rip-off", that painted me in a bad light.
"Yesterday an ominous number [regarding wage demands] appeared in the media and so I have now decided to say something about it.
Ilkay Gundogan is still wanted at Dortmund
"The 2014/15 season strictly speaking only ends on 30.06.2015.
"Although so far there have hardly been any transfers completed in Europe, rumour to rumour I was supposed to have demanded more and more, putting off making a final decision.
"Forgotten was this: I have one more year on my contract with BVB [Dortmund].
"What is important to me is that I'm not gambling financially or using delaying tactics.
"What's next for me personally, I will reveal as soon as possible.
"But only after the season and our important game for the European Championship qualifier with the national team will I decide."
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