Sami Khedira has no plans to leave Real Madrid during the January transfer window. In fact, the German international says his agent is in talks with the club to extend his stay in the Spanish capital.
Khedira's contract with the reigning European champions expires at the end of the season. Along with the club's high-profile signings this summer, his contract status has fueled speculation that he is on the way out.
Not so fast, says the 27-year-old midfielder.
"As of now, I see no reason to leave the club in the winter," Khedira said, according to ESPN FC's Stephan Uersfeld. "Real Madrid are a great destination, and I have locked this club in my heart. There is no grounds for me to say that I want or that I have to leave."
"I said back then that I am averse to signing a new contract, but my agent is still in talks with the club," he added. "We are top of the league in Spain, lead our Champions League group, and can win the FIFA Club World Cup. A lot of great challenges are waiting for me at Real. Moreover, I rate the coach (Carlo Ancelotti) highly because of his knowledge and his way of handling things. He gives me the feeling that I am needed."