Gundogan signs one-year contract extension with Dortmund

Dortmund, July 1 (IANS): Star midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on Wednesday signed a new one-year contract with Borussia Dortmund that will keep him at the leading German football club until 2017.

The German international announced in April that he would not sign a new contract with Dortmund - with his deal at the time due to expire in 2016 - and was therefore widely expected to leave the Bundesliga side in the summer, reports goal.com.

"I am glad that we finally have clarity (on my future) and I can continue playing for Borussia Dortmund. I am now fully focused on preparations for the new season," Gundogan, 24, told the club's official website.

Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said: "We are pleased that Ilkay will continue to play for Borussia Dortmund. I am convinced that he will help BVB achieve our sporting objectives."

He has played 117 games for the men in yellow and is only 24 years old. He suffered a back injury that kept him out of action for over a year hindering his development. Nonetheless, his quality has been recognised by big clubs with big pockets.

While the signing of a new contract may be welcome news for new Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel, it lands a blow to any club hoping to secure the German midfielder's services including the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United in the past.

The strongest contenders for his services seemed to be Manchester United but now they might have to look for a string-puller in midfield elsewhere.