Hamburg defender Jerome Boateng is calm over delayed contract talks.

Manchester City are following the Germany U21 international centre-half.

Hamburg are believed to want £20million for the 21-year-old, who has played twice for Germany, but there is a clause in his deal that allows him to leave for £10.6m at the end of the season.

"There have been talks, serious negotiations, but we've not reached a conclusion. We have differing opinions," he told Kicker. "Now I just want to focus on playing. For me it is not about a definite transfer this summer. Hamburg is not a stepping stone club for me.

"Hamburg is a big club with who I owe a lot for helping my career. But I do not want to make a hasty decision.

"I am aware that I'll frequently see my name linked with clubs in the coming months, but I can take it. I am level-headed enough for this."