Manchester United and Arsenal are eyeing Werder Bremen midfielder Mesut Ozil.
Ozil is a Barcelona fan and dreams of moving to the Nou Camp, but the Catalan giants and rivals Real Madrid have delayed making a move for him while they look at other targets.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is also a big admirer but has other priorities, such as Benfica's Brazil midfielder Ramires.
The Sunday Times says the stalemate has opened the door to United and Arsenal, who may test the water with a £10m bid.
Both clubs are understood to be monitoring the World Cup star's availability and could steal a march on their rivals by making a decisive move.
Manchester City have also been linked, but Roberto Mancini has already signed David Silva from Valencia and has a plethora of midfield options.
