Silva deal imminent

Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson, Liverpool FC and Manchester City's Roberto Mancini are on the verge of losing out to Real Madrid in the race for Valencia midfielder David Silva.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has remained a huge admirer of the mercurial playmaker for the best part of 18-months, having initially earmarked the 24-year-old as a potential successor to Old Trafford hero Ryan Giggs, while Liverpool FC were reportedly keen on signing the Spanish international last summer, only to be deterred by Valencia's lofty valuation.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was the latest Premier League manager to linked with Silva, but according to the Daily Telegraph, the player is on the verge of moving to the Bernabeu.

Despite strong and long-term interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool FC under the recently deposed regime of Rafa Benitez, Real Madrid are believed to be on the cusp of agreeing a £30 million transfer with Valencia. Silva's Valencia teammate David Villa, also a reputed target of Manchester United, Chelsea FC and Manchester City recently joined Barcelona.

Silva has previously expressed a willingness to move to the Premier League and in particular Manchester United, but the Telegraph claims the player is now desperate to move to Real Madrid in order to work under Jose Mourinho, meaning Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester City's Mancini and Liverpool FC will miss out on the player.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.