The race to sign one of the world’s most promising young soccer talents took an intriguing twist Wednesday, when a player profile for Mesut Oezil briefly appeared on Manchester United’s official website.

The page was empty and had a blank space instead of a photo but was clearly headed “Mesut Ozil” — sending United fans into a frenzy as they awaited official confirmation of the marquee signing.

The English Premier League team was quick to dismiss the development as nothing more than a “technical glitch,” although its manager Sir Alex Ferguson is known to be a keen admirer of the 21-year-old who made his name playing for Germany at this summer’s World Cup.

Ferguson watched the silky-skilled midfielder play for Werder Bremen Saturday as the German team traveled to England to take on Fulham in a friendly game.

The capture of Oezil would be seen as a coup for United, with the young German a possible long-term replacement for veteran playmaker Paul Scholes.

Oezil hinted last month at the World Cup that he would be interested in moving to England, describing the Premier League as “attractive.” However, a string of top European clubs including Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are also reportedly interested in his signing.