Real Madrid look set to miss out on Marco Reus as the forward is reportedly close to extending his contract with Borussia Dortmund.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu in recent times, but Ruhr Nachrichten claims the attacker is ready to sign an improved deal with die Schwarzgelben.
The local newspaper goes on to say that talks have progressed at such a rate that an announcement could be made as early as before the end of February.
Madrid appeared to be in the driving seat for Reus’ signature following reports that they had agreed to activate his €25m release clause in the summer.
Reus was also believed to have begun Spanish lessons and was spotted signing a Madrid jersey last month, but he may stay loyal to BVB after the club stood by him during his injury troubles.
His current deal expires in 2017, but the new arrangement is expected to significantly raise his buyout threshold in an attempt to thwart rival suitors.
BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke was quoted by the source as saying that it was now or never for Reus to commit his future to the Bundesliga strugglers.
“We have put all our cards on the table, the ball is now in Marco’s court,” he admitted.
“We have our limits [as to what we can offer him], and Marco knows this.”
