Bremen struggling for Özil deal

(GSM) – As talks on a new contract continue to fail, Werder Bremen might be forced to sell off German star Mesut Özil before the start of the coming season.

Özil, 21, dazzled for Germany at the World Cup and it appears his performance might just have been too strong for Thomas Schaaf’s side to keep him.

Club sporting director Klaus Allofs says that the parties are in constant negotiations with the goal being to hammer out a new long-term contract in the near future.

The club is desperate to sign Özil to a new deal now, as his contract expires at the end of the 2010-11 season. He could move fee-free at the end of the campaign, which could make a sale now a very viable option.

Media reports in Germany indicate that Bremen have valued Özil at €27 million following his performance in South Africa, and rumors have circulated that teams like Real Madrid and Manchester United have put in offers.

Allofs denied in several publications in Spain and Germany that any offers have been made for Özil, and he reiterated that the club’s priority is to re-sign the player.