Manchester United Given Hope As Gundogan Denies Making Real Madrid Decision

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan insists he has not come to a decision regarding his future plans as Manchester United and Real Madrid lie in wait.

The Germany international's contract with the Bundesliga giants expires next summer and talks over a new deal have been delayed while the midfielder has focused on his recovery from a back injury.

With Robert Lewandowski set to leave the club for nothing this summer, Dortmund CEO Michael Zorc is keen to ensure the same scenario doesn't unfold with Gundogan next year and recently urged the 23-year-old to make a decision after the Spanish press claimed Real Madrid were close to opening talks with the player.

But Manchester United's hopes of solving their midfield woes with the Dortmund star have been boosted after he insisted he is yet to decide upon his future.

"I have not made a final decision yet," Gundogan was quoted as saying in Bild. "BVB are the first team I am talking to.

"I will soon make a well-thought decision. But I am keeping my options open at this point.

"Borussia Dortmund have not set me an ultimatum. I am just trying to get healthy again and get back to my best form. That's the main priority for BVB and for myself."

At the end of last month Gundogan's father Irfan revealed Carlo Ancelotti's side were desperate to bring the midfielder to the Bernabeu and that talks will commence once the midfielder is fit again.

Dortmund remain hopeful that the player will sign a new deal that will keep him at the Westfalenstadion beyond the summer of 2015, but Gundogan's own aspirations to play in England or Spain may spoil those plans.

The midfielder has been out of action since August due to a persistent back problem. After aggravating the knock while representing Germany in a friendly with Paraguay he was initially expected to miss a month of action.

However an inflamed nerve ruled Gundogan out for the rest of 2013 with no concrete return date set yet.