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Man United prepare £38m offer for Mesut Ozil
MANCHESTER UNITED are set to bid £38million for Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil, who is considering his options amid Gareth Bale's impending arrival.
Ozil has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, as David Moyes searches for a creative force to add to his midfield.
And with Real about to splash out a world-record transfer fee on Tottenham's Gareth Bale, the Spanish giants may be willing to sanction the sale of Ozil.
The Germany international is said to be worried about losing match time at the Bernabeu this season with the expected arrival of Bale, while Isco's signing has already provided him with further competition in Carlo Ancelotti's side.
According to German newspaper Bild, who cite Spanish TV show Punto Pelota as a source, Madrid are set to receive an offer worth around £38m 'for a major player' - expected to be Ozil.
Ozil is competing with Isco for the central attacking midfield spot at Real, while Bale's arrival could oust him from his secondary wing position.
And with similar fierce competition for spaces in the German national squad, the 24-year-old may push for a move to United.
Ozil started in Ancelotti's first league game at Madrid last weekend, but was criticised by the Italian following a substandard performance that saw him hauled off with 20 minutes to go.
"Between defense and midfield we have a big hole," said Ancelotti. "If we want to play good football, players like Isco and Ozil must also do defensive work."
Reports in Spain suggest Ozil left the field angry during Madrid's 2-1 win over Real Betis, adding to suggestions that United's interest in the playmaker could prove more successful than their pursuit of Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas and Everton's Marouane Fellaini.
Ozil's team-mate Luka Modric is also a target for Moyes, but he looks set to stay in the Spanish capital following the injury of Xabi Alonso.