Manchester United are set to move one step ahead of their rivals by putting in a £25 million bid for Germany star Mesut Ozil. The Old Trafford outfit are eager to get a big signing on board after failure to wrap up any deals this summer so far due to financial restrictions, but it is believed that manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident of signing the Werder Bremen playmaker.

Ozil was pivotal in Germany’s sensational semi final run in the 2010 World Cup finals and has been hailed by many critics as the new face of German football dominance, being born of Turkish descent but choosing to don the Deutschland national colours.

The midfielder has garnered rave reviews from all quarters with his impressive displays for his national side and Arsenal have been closely linked to the player this summer as manager Arsene Wenger seeks to replace wantaway midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

However, Ferguson is determined to hijack the deal and believes that Ozil will be a perfect replacement for aging veteran Paul Scholes, who has signed only an additional year to his current contract and could retire at the end of the next Premier League season.

United had their priority target Wesley Sneijder reject their advances after the Inter Milan and Netherlands star announced that his heart was with his present Serie A side and is not seeking to move elsewhere. The Red Devils have thus decided to stick to their new policy of youth talent by opting for Ozil who is still in his early 20s.

Ozil has a year left on his current contract, so unless the Bundesliga club can convince the playmaker to extend his deal, they may have to consider any big money offer for the player now before the German international can walk away as a free agent next summer.

Would be a good signing if it goes through. 50-50 chance IMO.

25m is enough to get him if he wants to come and he has said he'd like to join us. We actually were interested in him when he was 17-18 I think. I'd love to see him at Old Trafford (only needs a surgery to his popping eyes)