Manchester United are leading the chase for Germany World Cup star, Mesut Ozil.

Sir Alex Ferguson is the clear front-runner for the Werder Bremen playmaker, readying a bid of up to £12m to bring his top target to Old Trafford.

Bremen are bracing themselves for a swoop before the transfer window closes at the end of August and expect United to follow up their interest with a firm offer.

United chief executive, David Gill, revealed this week that money is available to sign a world class player.

And having scoured the talent at this summer’s World Cup, Ferguson believes Ozil has the potential to be the long-term successor to Paul Scholes and boost his bid to regain the Premier League title.

The 21-year-old was one of the stand-out performers in South Africa, helping Germany reach the semi-finals and he played a key role in their 4-1 demolition of England.

But he is available at a cut price with Bremen worried they will lose him for nothing when he is out of contract at the end of the season.

Real Madrid are also monitoring Ozil, but Jose Mourinho is ready to wait until January to negotiate in the hope of signing him on a free.

That gives Ferguson the chance to steal a march on the Spanish giants and land a player who will fit into the club’s policy of signing emerging talent.

Meanwhile, Aalesund director, Henrik Hoff, has confirmed that United are interested in Danish goalkeeper, Anders Lindegaard.

MEN Sport revealed this week that Fergie had targeted the keeper as a long-term successor to Edwin van der Sar.

How much is Ozil worth? Have your say.