Werder Bremen have rejected an offer from Real Madrid for their in-demand Germany international midfielder Mesut Ozil.
The 21-year-old has been linked with a host of clubs including Manchester United and Barcelona and seems certain to leave Werder at some point this month as he currently has only 12 months left on his contract with the Bundesliga side.
Real's director of sport, Jorge Valdano, told Germany's ZDF television at half-time in Friday's friendly against Bayern Munich that an official offer had been made for Ozil but Bremen immediately rejected it.
"We have received an unacceptable offer that does not even provide any basis for negotiations," said Werder's director of sport, Klaus Allofs.
Madrid coach Jose Mourinho then said after his team's game against Bayern:"He is a very good player and I would be delighted were he to come to us. Bremen have said no so we will have to see how things develop.
"If he comes, it would certainly be excellent. Ozil would definitely help us."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email