Barcelona have surged past Manchester United in the chase
for Werder Bremen's Mesut Oezil, according to a report in Spain.
The Bundesliga club have reportedly accepted a bid of between
€12million-€15m for the 21-year old, say Sport.
Barcelona are waiting for the approval of coach Pep Guardiola
before discussing personal terms with Oezil, whose Werder deal
expires next summer. If the trainer gives his blessing, the move
should be a formality.
Oezil previously commented on a switch to the Blaugrana, stating
that to play alongside Lionel Messi would be enough to persuade him
to join.
However, Chelsea are becoming increasingly serious suitors for
Oezil, according to a report from The Times. The Blues are
believed to be pondering a €16m deal for the youngster.
Chelsea's interest has apparently been lead by Serbian agent Vlado
Lemic, a man with strong German connections who enjoys a firm
working relationship with Bremen general director Klaus
Allofs.
The Bundesliga outfit are believed to be keen to sell Oezil this
month in order to rule out the chance of him leaving for free when
his contract expires next summer.
At just 21 years of age, the German also possesses the added asset
of having potential re-sale value, something which has been unusual
amongst many of the Blues' expensive signings in recent
years.