Manchester United target Ilkay Gundogan could yet stay at Borussia Dortmund

The agent of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has specifically addressed rumours linking his client with Bayern Munich and confirmed the option to remain at Signal Iduna Park is back on the table following positive talks with new manager Thomas Tuchel.

Despite having previously suffered from a chronic back problem that forced him to miss several months of domestic action and the 2014 World Cup, Germany international Gundogan has long since been mentioned in connection with a transfer away from Dortmund, with his current contract due to expire in summer 2016.

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United were close to securing a £21.5m ($34m) deal to sign the 24-year-old in May, while treble winners Barcelona and reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern were also said to be holding talks.

Discussing Bayern's interest in particular, representative and uncle Ilhan Gundogan claimed no strict demands had been put forward on his nephew's behalf as well as confirming that leaving Dortmund on a free transfer was out of the question.

"With Bayern Munich, we never talked about money with one syllable," he told German daily Suddeutsche Zeitung as reported by Goal.

"There has never been a demand from us made to Bayern. We are not in a position to demand anything from a club like Bayern.

"We would have never accepted that [leaving Dortmund for free]. It was always clear that Dortmund should get a fee, [they deserve] a sign of gratitude."

While the general expectation has been that Gundogan, who made 33 appearances in all competitions last term and rejected the offer of a new deal in May, will almost certainly seek a new challenge this summer, Ilhan has offered supporters renewed hope that he could yet opt to stay put due to positive talks with Tuchel.

On those discussions with the man chosen to succeed Jurgen Klopp, he added: "It was a very good talk and Ilkay is having thoughts now. [Staying at] Dortmund is certainly an option again."

A definitive resolution on Gundogan's future is expected shortly, after the player initially confirmed via his official Facebook page that he would decide his plans in the aftermath of Germany's Euro 2016 qualifier in Gibraltar on 13 June, a game the World Cup holders won 7-0.