Gomez Has Ambitions Beyond Stuttgart

The towering 23-year-old was the subject of an eleventh-hour bid by newly mega-rich Manchester City, but Stuttgart swiftly batted the offer down.

Gomez didn't seem to perturbed when confirming the reports to the Bild newspaper, however, as his comments suggested that he is looking to switch to a more established club in any case.

"After our game with Hannover [on August 31], Manchester City made our general manager Horst Heldt an offer, but he turned it down," said Gomez.

"The offer from Manchester City will certainly not be the last one I receive.

"My aim is to play for a top club in Europe, somewhere like Italy, England or Spain."

He added: "I have a contract with VfB and the club has told me quite clearly that they will not let me leave this season. Not for any money in the world.

"I don't think Horst Heldt would allow me to leave in six months when he has blocked every offer immediately.

"I have no problem playing in Stuttgart. VfB is one of the best run clubs in Germany and I enjoy playing in Stuttgart. The whole environment is fantastic.

"If we can get a run going, then you never know what can happen."

Gomez would likely have earned himself a dream move already had he not had such a shockingly bad Euro 2008 for Germany.