EPL Transfer News: Ozil may be heading to Manchester United; Manuel Almunia destined for Aston Villa
One of the most sought after players following the World Cup in South Africa, German playmaker Mesut Ozil, is rumoured to be already a Manchester United player. This shocking development emerged when his profile was placed on the club’s official website.
An English newspaper ‘The Daily Mail’ has reported this; meanwhile, no official statement has been released by Manchester United as yet. The profile template of the German player being posted on club website has only added fuel to the ever growing speculation that Ozil is heading to Old Trafford.
The Werder Bremen midfielder has been linked with several big names in Europe ever since the end of the World Cup, where he was one of the stand-out players for Germany. The Germans played an attractive brand of football in South Africa and impressed one and all with their quick counterattacking football. Germany ended the World Cup in 3rd place after beating Uruguay. The most impressive performances from them were against Australia in their first match, where they scored 4 goals, and later in the Round of 16, where they smashed 4 more against England, and the biggest for sure was a 4 nil win against Argentina. Ozil’s most crucial contribution was probably when Germany was playing their last group match and needed to win against Ghana to go through. Ozil curled a brilliant side footer from outside the box to get the winner (Germany won 1-0).
Earlier, Werder Bremen had said that they had been approached by Barcelona for Ozil, but there was no mention of Manchester United making a bid.
Recently, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted in a game between Fulham and Werder Bremen that gave the speculators more to talk about. It was believed that Ferguson was there to assess the performance of his new possible recruit Ozil.
Manchester United, however, has said that the profile of Ozil posted on the club website was nothing more than a technical glitch. They said that the webpage was hacked and hence the profile was posted.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa is believed to be interested in signing the Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. According to the Daily Mirror, the club, without a permanent manager (since Martin O’Neill quit), is currently eyeing the Spanish goalkeeper who has not had the best of time with the Gunners. Villa’s Brad Friedel is strongly linked with a move away from Villa Park. He is believed to be on his way to Fulham, who are looking to fill the void left by a possible move of Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal.
Aston Villa look determined to Bring Almunia to the club, despite him having an infamous clumsy record with Arsenal. The 33 year old goalkeeper is believed to be no longer the first choice, as Fabianski has been Wenger’s first choice in 4 of the 6 games in the pre-season. Almunia is also reportedly interested in making the move, and starting a fresh new challenge in English football.
Aston Villa is also expected to name a new manager just before the season starts this weekend; the announcement and the signing of Almunia is expected to be completed before 22nd of August.
In other transfer news, Scottish club Celtic has reportedly started talks with Manchester City regarding the transfer of Craig Bellamy. The Wales striker has not been very happy at City and has been interested in making a move away from Manchester.
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