Borussia Dortmund are hoping Youssoufa Moukoko will stay at their club, despite protracted talks over a new contract, which has seen the player linked to Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Barcelona during the January transfer window.
Moukoko, 18, is out of contract with Dortmund at the end of the season, which means he's been able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of Germant since the start of January.
The youngster is considered one of Germany's most exciting prospects and he's contributed six goals and four assists in 14 appearances in the Bundesliga this term, while he also represented his nation at the World Cup.
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Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, it's understood Erik ten Hag is desperate to strengthen his attacking options and United have been regularly linked with a move for Moukoko, who could be signed on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Dortmund's CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, discussed the player's future on Wednesday night and he confirmed the club would like to keep Moukoko, although he also admitted his public contract situation is making talks difficult.
"I started 18 years ago with the proviso that there might be gratitude from time to time. I've given up on that a long time ago. Gratitude isn't a currency there. Unfortunately, that's really the case," Watzke told Sky Sports Germany.
"But I won't blame anyone for that either, because it's just the way it is. I don't think the whole process is very normal. The difference is that he's 18 years old now and he was at the World Cup and that makes it even more public.
"He is now trying to get a good position for himself. That is legitimate, but it is just as legitimate that we have our ideas. If that is no longer congruent, then the cooperation will not be continued. That is the ultimate consequence. But we hope of course he stays with us."
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