The 23-year-old has recently been linked with the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Liverpool.

But the highly-rated midfielder insists that he is happy with life at Leverkusen.

"The club have made it very clear to me that I am a key member of the team and that they will not sell me," Bender told Leverkusen's website.

"I recently extended my contract and now I want to take the next step with the club. I will not engage in further speculation."