Manchester United target Ilkay Gundogan could stay at Borussia Dortmund, says agent

Gundogan has been impressed by new manager Thomas Tuchel

(Getty)

Manchester United have woken to the news that one of their transfer targets may have made a U-turn over his future.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who was set to leave the Bundesliga club this summer, could stay in the Bundesliga having been impressed with new coach Thomas Tuchel.

The 24-year-old German international had previously said that he would leave this summer with only a year left remaining on his contract.

"This is clearly an option again," his agent and uncle Ilhan Gundogan told Sueddeutsche Zeitung when asked about the player staying at Dortmund.

New Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel (GETTY IMAGES)

"There are several things in favour of Ilkay finding back to his old level and doing that in a familiar, comfortable environment."

The talented 24-year-old had been out of action for 14 months before returning from a back injury in December last year. But a much-reported possible transfer to the English Premier League, Spain and even Bayern Munich has not materialised.

After the departure of coach Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season, Tuchel, a former Mainz 05 coach, was appointed as his successor.

Ilhan Gundogan said the player had "now been thinking about it" - a possible stay - after hearing Tuchel's plans for next season.

Dortmund, German champions in 2011 and 2012 and Champions League finalists in 2013, finished seventh in the Bundesliga and will compete in the Europa League next season.

Additional reporting from Reuters