Manchester United are now weighing up a move for Mesut Ozil after being frustrated in their bid to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.
Reds’ boss David Moyes has tried without success to strengthen his midfield during the close season, having also lost out on Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich, and according to the Daily Mirror he could now turn his attention to Real Madrid’s German international Ozil.
However, any deal could hinge on whether the Spanish giants eventually manage to persuade Tottenham Hotspur to part with Gareth Bale, as in doing so they would look more favourably on a United offer because it would help balance the books after a summer of big spending.
Moyes has still not given up on Fabregas, although it looks increasingly likely the Spain international will stay with Barca, yet the former Everton manager believes he will still bring players to Old Trafford before the close of the transfer window.
“I’m confident we’ll have players in before the start of the season, yeah,” he told reporters on Thursday.
“We’re involved with several players we are looking at and that will continue. Will we get them before the deadline? I hope so, and we’re working very hard to do that.
“This was always going to be a difficult window for me personally because I officially joined Manchester United on July 1.
“So, it’s been a short period in which to do deals and also to get to know the players, to know the market.”
