Paris Brunner in line for first professional contract with Borussia Dortmund

Highly rated forward Paris Brunner appears to be in line for a professional contract with Borussia Dortmund ahead of his 18th birthday.

It has been a whirlwind year so far for Paris Brunner, who won the player of the tournament award at both the U-17 Euros and the U-17 FIFA World Cup. He also made the Borussia Dortmund first-team squad for the first time earlier this month. And now a professional contract appears to be in the offing.

This is being reported by Ruhr Nachrichten, who add that his performances have seen him attract the interest of a number of top clubs. The 17 year old has just over 18 months left on his current contract, and Borussia Dortmund are keen to make sure that he stays at the club for years to come.

Borussia Dortmund youth centre director Lars Ricken said in an interview with the newspaper that they are in talks with Brunner's family, and have a clear plan for his future. "We're no longer talking about a development contract with Paris," Ricken said. "We have a clear plan for him. We've discussed it with him and his family. It's clear that his quality will make him an option for the professional team."

Ricken also spoke about the club's decision to suspend Brunner for a couple of weeks in October. "There was an incident, and he didn't play in three games. But we dealt with it well by talking to him and his parents. That was and is the end of it for us."

Paris Brunner could be set for another taste of first-team football next month when Borussia Dortmund head to Marbella for a mid-season training camp. And if he continues to impress, a permanent spot in the first-team could also be in the offing next season.