Manchester City fear Real Madrid will hijack deal to buy Valencia forward David Silva
Manchester City are bracing themselves for Real Madrid to beat them to the signing of Valencia forward David Silva.
By Mark Ogden
Published: 10:00PM BST 03 Jun 2010
Real deal: David Silva would prefer to move to Real Madrid rather than Manchester City Photo: AP
Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook and football administrator Brian Marwood are hoping to hold talks with Valencia after postponing plans to meet the Spanish club's president, Manuel Llorente, last week.
Although preliminary discussions about Silva's availability have taken place between the two clubs, City have yet to begin detailed negotiations with Valencia for the 24 year-old.
But senior figures at City have been made aware that Silva's destination of choice, should he leave Valencia, is Real Madrid.
The Spain winger has also admitted that he is prepared to stay at Valencia for another season should it ease his path to the Bernabeu in 12 months' time.
While City remain keen to speak to the player's representatives, it is likely that the club will now focus their efforts on securing a post-World Cup deal for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner before reviewing their prospects of signing Silva.
The Inter Milan defender Maicon has ruled out a move to Eastlands after insisting that he is only interested in leaving the European champions for Real Madrid.
Maicon, set to be Brazil's right-back in South Africa, has been a long-term target of City manager – and former Inter coach – Roberto Mancini.
Maicon said: "I want to play for Madrid because it would be a great opportunity in my career. I'm going to say it very clearly so there is no misunderstanding: I want to play with Madrid, I don't want to go to Manchester City.
"I have a great relationship with Jose Mourinho and it would be nice to be able to play under him again. We have won a lot of things together at Inter and I hope we can repeat it."
