Rodriguez extends deal

Berlin - Swiss international defender Ricardo Rodriguez has extended his contract with Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg until 2019, the German outfit announced on Tuesday.

Rodriguez, 22, joined the club in 2012 on a deal running until 2016.

"It was an important step. We've seen 'Richi' evolve so we're delighted to be able to keep him," the club's sporting director Klaus Allofs said without giving financial details of the deal.

Rodriguez had attracted the interest of top European clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea, with the German press reporting his new deal includes a release clause estimated at between $23m-$35m.

This season he has played 16 matches for Wolfsburg, scoring six goals.

"For me Richi is one of the best players in his position. That he's staying is an important sign for the development of Wolfsburg," added coach Dieter Hecking.

Wolfsburg are currently second in the Bundesliga 11 points behind leaders Bayern Munich.