Deadline day: Manchester United enter race for Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil
Manchester United have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid, Sky Sports understands.
The Red Devils suffered a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday and although David Moyes remained bullish in the aftermath, they are believed to have made contact with Ozil's representatives.
Arsenal, who have drawn criticism for their own lack of activity in the transfer market, were rumoured to be at an 'advanced' stage of a transfer worth around £42.5m - but United now seem poised to hijack the move.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said in the aftermath of Sunday's 1-0 victory over Tottenham: "It is a little bit like a domino game. Maybe something will happen in the last 24 hours, maybe not. It is very difficult to predict, but maybe we can surprise you."
Ozil, 24, signed for Real from Werder Bremen in 2010 in a deal worth around 15m euros but may find his chances of first-team football at the Bernabeu limited by Gareth Bale's world record signing.
Although reports in Spain suggest Ozil is unfazed by the Welshman's arrival and remains determined to stay on and fight for his place, Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has welcomed approaches from the Premier League.
In addition, Ancelotti's former employers Paris Saint-Germain are expected to make a move for Ozil, who has won 47 caps for his country