Werder Bremen have turned down an official approach from Real Madrid to sign midfielder Mesut Oezil, dpa reported.
Bremen chairman Klaus Allofs said late Friday the offer for the Germany international was "unacceptable" and "not a basis for negotiations for us," Allofs said.
Real sports director Jorge Valdano confirmed that Real had made an offer, describing it as "more than reasonable."
Real have already signed Germany midfielder Sami Khedira, and would now like 21-year-old Oezil to join him.
But Oezil's performances at the World Cup in South Africa have also attracted other big-name European clubs including Manchester United.
Real are the first club to make an official bid for Oezil, who has another year on his contract at Bremen. German reports say Bremen would be seeking at least 15 million euros (19 million dollars) for the player.
Oezil's future could hinge on Bremen's Champions League qualifying play-off match against Sampdoria on Wednesday.
Should he play in the game, he would be cup-tied for the competition this season, making him a less attractive target.
Real coach Jose Mourinho made his wishes clear after his side defeated Bayern Munich Friday evening in a penalty shoot-out in a friendly in Munich.
"He is a very good player and I would be delighted were he to come to us," the Portuguese coach said.
"Bremen have said no so we will have to see how things develop. If he comes, it would certainly be excellent. Oezil would definitely help us."