[quote author=Buddha link=topic=41005.msg1137363#msg1137363 date=1279388015]
Bremen are obviously ready to sell. He's got one year left on his contract so why aren't we stealing a march and putting a significant bid now. We'd most probably end up outbid, but I'd love for us to have a go....
Werder Bremen general manager Klaus Allofs accepts that Mesut Ozil is likely to be hot property this summer.
The 21-year-old playmaker shone for Germany at this summer's World Cup, bringing him to the attention of a global audience.
A collection of assured and mature performances earned him a host of new admirers, with some of Europe's top clubs believed to be among those to have sat up and taken notice.
The likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United are reported to be weighing up approaches to Bremen for their prized asset, aware that Ozil has the potential to be a world-class performer for years to come.
Bremen are, understandably, reluctant to do business, but appreciate that their hand may be forced.
Policy
Ozil has just one year left to run on his current contract at the Weserstadion and Allofs admits he may be forced to sell now rather than risk losing a top talent for nothing next summer.
"I can already think that we will have offers in the next few weeks or just before the transfer deadline from a number of clubs," he said.
"If something concrete comes, we have a duty to talk to Mesut and his advisors and to see what they want. We will not change our policy. We cannot afford it."
Bremen have put fresh terms to Ozil but are making little headway in their efforts to tie him down on a long-term deal.
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Ozil is pure class, but unfortunately would take up too much of our transfer kitty. We literally can't afford to splash out on just one player the kind of fee Bremen would (quite justifiably) want for him.
