Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 7y

Borussia Dortmund planning Thomas Tuchel talks amid Real Madrid interest

Borussia Dortmund are planning talks with coach Thomas Tuchel about a contract extension, but are aware they may not be straightforward with Real Madrid and Premier League clubs interested in his services.

Tuchel, 43, joined Borussia Dortmund on a three-year deal ahead of the 2015-16 season, and led the Schwarzgelben back into Champions League in his first year in charge.

The former Mainz coach put down his first marker in the European top flight when BVB dominated Real Madrid for the majority of the 2-2 draw in Champions League three weeks ago, and Watzke knows it won't be easy to tie Tuchel to a new contract beyond his current deal, which expires in 2018.

"We will not make an announcement three months before," Watzke told kicker when asked when the club will enter talks with their coach, but confirmed that this will be the case before the summer of 2017. "We will hold talks without informing the public. We'll do that [announce the deal] once we have an agreement.

"Because I have a good rapport with Real Madrid, I know that he is highly regarded there. And that also applies for England. I think that's normal after our last season. Tuchel has managed to create his own style. This is the highest you can expect from a coach."

In recent years Dortmund have lost several key players to teams such as Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City, but Watzke does not fear losing Tuchel.

"When a player leaves us, we will replace him. And when a coach leaves, we will also have a suitable replacement. BVB will always be bigger than any single individual. We brace ourselves for changes," Watzke said.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of the players frequently linked with a move away from the Westfalenstadion in the near future despite having a contract until 2020.

Speaking to kicker, Watzke announced that Dortmund would be willing to talk if the price was right.

"You need to reassess every year. Players don't get younger, but older," he said, and added that he does not see many clubs Aubameyang could pick over Dortmund.

Still, the Gabon international has already talked up a potential transfer to Real Madrid, and Watzke said that Dortmund would be willing to talk.

In the past, Watzke said it would need an offer exceeding €100 million for Dortmund to consider selling Aubameyang.

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