Manchester United could be beaten to the signature of Mesut Ozil by Real Madrid.

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The Germany international is the summer's hottest commodity after a stellar World Cup and, with only a year left on his contract, parent club Werder Bremen are keen to cash in now rather than allow the player to leave for free in 12 month's time.

United were widely believed to be leading the chase for the 23-year-old but now Real Madrid appear to have entered the fray.

Ozil is currently on holiday on the Balearic island of Mallorca where he was tracked down by Spanish daily Marca.

"I'm not talking about Real Madrid for the moment,” Ozil reportedly told the newspaper.

While this is hardly a come-and-get-plea directed at new Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho, it might prompt the Red Devils into making an offer for him sooner rather than later.

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to add further creativity to his squad and, with primary target Wesley Sneijder committing his future to Inter Milan United, the club do not want another player to slip thorugh their fingers as they go in search of a record nineteenth league title.