Ozil sets sights on Madrid move

Werder Bremen midfielder Mesut Ozil is optimistic about becoming a Real Madrid player after learning of the Spanish club's interest in him.

The Germany international turned down a new contract offer with Bremen and has only 12 months left to run on his current deal.

Therefore, the north German club are likely to consider offers for him this summer rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year, but they have already turned down an offer from Real.

However, the player - who has also been strongly linked with Manchester United this summer - now has his heart set on a move to Spain.

"When you have such an opportunity like this, then you want to take it," he said after his side's 4-0 win over Ahlen in the DFB-Pokal on Saturday.

"It is any footballer's dream to play for the biggest teams in Europe."

Ozil only found out about Real's offer when he heard about it on television on Friday night and he is disappointed with his club for not informing him, even though they rejected it out of hand.

"I was very sad about that," he said. "I have said that to (director of sport) Mr (Klaus) Allofs."