‘BVB door remains open for Götze’

Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke insists Mario Götze would be welcomed back at the club if he left arch-rivals FC Bayern München.

The Dortmund youth product made a controversial switch to Bayern in July 2013 after the Bavarians activated his €37million release clause, which set a new German transfer record.

Götze made a promising start to his career at the Allianz Arena, but a succession of injuries this season has limited him to just eight appearances for Pep Guardiola's side.

The Germany international has subsequently been linked with a return to Signal-Iduna Park, and Watzke claims the door remains open for the 23-year-old, despite his acrimonious departure three seasons ago.

"Mario is Bayern's player. His contract runs until 2017 and I have not heard, neither from the club or him, that they wish to end their collaboration," Watzke told Bild.

"Under the current conditions, this is not a topic for us. [But] for every player who has merits for this club the door remains open, no question about it."