Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea and Manchester United in Mesut Ozil transfer tussle
Chelsea have entered the race to sign Germany World Cup star Mesut Ozil. [LNB]Manchester United are also keen on the Werder Bremen playmaker - but Barcelona are the favourites to land him after missing out on Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.[LNB]The Catalans' pressing urgency to sign a holding midfielder and a belief that Fabregas will sign in 12 months had seemed to leave United the favourites to try to prise Ozil from Bremen. [LNB] Talent: English defenders were made aware of Ozil's ability at the World Cup[LNB]But Barca remain Ozil's preferred destination, but Bremen have denied reports in Spain that a deal has already been struck with the Catalans for a deal worth an initial £8.5million.[LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... Who do you want your club to bring in before the new season kicks off? The new football season starts in just a few weeks and teams are gearing up by rebuilding their squads. A number of leading stars - including Man City's Craig Bellamy (right) - are likely to move. So, ahead of the upcoming campaign, who do you want your side to bring in? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Chelsea have also stepped up their bid in the last 48 hours after being frustrated in moves for other players.[LNB] A poor showing in pre-season, culminating in a 3-1 Community Shield defeat by Manchester United, has shown Carlo Ancelotti that he needs to strengthen. [LNB]Bremen started the summer asking £20m for Ozil, but he has just a year left on his contract and is unlikely to sign an extension. [LNB]Real Madrid have reportedly said they will offer him a bumper deal next summer if he sits tight and signs for them on a free next year. [LNB]However, Chelsea have held talks over the last two days between intermediaries, with Serb agent Vlado Lemic leading the Blues bid, according to The Times. [LNB]Lemic apparently has the trust of Stamford Bridge owner Roman Abramovich and is working closely with Frank Arnesen, the Chelsea sporting director - as well as having good contacts in Germany and a strong relationship with Bremen general director Klaus Allofs, who admits that Ozil's days at the club appear numbered.[LNB]Incoming: Benfica midfielder Ramires (left) is set to sign for Chelsea[LNB]'It is possible that there is now a bit of movement in the issue,' said Allofs. 'But I am not running backwards and forwards to the fax machine or getting sweaty palms when I check my emails to see if maybe an offer has arrived.'[LNB]Chelsea have already agreed a deal to sign Benfica midfielder Ramires, which should be completed after the international break, but Ozil is a more attacking option.[LNB] Deco, Joe Cole and Michael Ballack have all left west London this summer and Ancelotti has set about renewing his midfield. [LNB] Fergie faces fight for Ozil as Barca eye Germany star to make up for Cesc blowSign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsSir Alex refuses to rule out late summer swoop for World Cup star OzilManchester United and Arsenal target Mesut Ozil vows to honour Werder Bremen contractMANCHESTER UNITED FC
