Hamburg aim to keep Mehdi

PlanetFootball - BUNDESLIGA side Hamburg will strive to keep Iran star Mehdi Mahdavikia at the AOL-Arena next season despite interest from English clubs.

The pacy winger is reportedly being targeted by a number of Premiership sides, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United, after the player spoke about his desire to play for a bigger club.

However, Hamburg press officer Gerd Krall downplayed media speculation that the 25-year-old is leaving, and revealed that a plan to extend his current contract is being put in place.

"The enquiries (from English clubs) have not been that great," said Krall.

"We want to extend his contract although talks have been put on ice for now. There is no time pressure for us.

"It's difficult to say when the talks would start again, but we are confident he will stay."

Meanwhile, Mahdavikia has signalled his willingness to play for Hamburg next season. "I expect to stay in Hamburg," he was quoted as saying in a German football magazine.