Barcelona and Real Madrid are going head-to-head for Valencia star David Silva.

Sport says Valencia's cash-strapped board are ready to sell the Spain star after the World Cup and hope to kickoff a summer auction for his services.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola admits he's a huge fan of Silva, who could arrive as a replacement for Thierry Henry. Barca will face competition from Real, which will bank on delays over their presidential election to steal a march on their eternal rivals.

Also circling in the background is Manchester United, where manager Sir Alex Ferguson has identified Silva as a long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs.