Chelsea and Real on alert over Ozil after Bremen opt to cut their losses

(GETTY)

Werder Bremen have admitted that their chances of keeping hold of Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil are all but over only hours after their general manager Klaus Allofs assured fans that he would not stop battling to keep him. Bremen have been concerned about their hold on the 21-year-old since they failed to confirm a new contract with his agent before the World Cup, even though Allofs remained resolute that a deal could be struck.

"We made good progress and were confident that we could fill in the final blanks with the right figures," Allofs said yesterday. "We had our ideas but we have not been able to bring this to an end. We are not angry, no way. We intend to keep on trying."

However, his optimism was short lived as the club's chances of losing their most valuable asset on a free transfer at the end of next season increased. The deflated general manager decided to cut his losses and offered a sign to interested parties that they are now open for business on their star player. After conceding that they "have not found a solution" he added: "I expect bids in the coming weeks or just before the end of the transfer market. We'd rather not see him leave on a free transfer next year."

With Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho having already met with the midfielder, and Chelsea thought to be interested, it is unlikely that the Bundesliga side will have to wait for long to receive offers close to the £20m price they are seeking.

Former Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg are on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign 18-year-old Dutchman Jeffrey Bruma on a season-long loan to allow the Chelsea defender to gain experience for Steve McClaren's side.