Real Madrid are chasing Manchester City midfielder David Silva. The People says Real president Florentino Perez used their recent Champions League clash with Manchester City to set up a meeting with the player's representatives.

And he sounded them out over the possibility of landing the Spaniard next summer.

Silva was stunned to learn of their interest and is open to the prospect of a Bernabeu switch at the end of the season. But, following discussions, Madrid bosses fear his wage expectations could kill off their chances of landing him.

Silva signed a new deal at City worth a staggering £200,000-a-week in September.

A Real source said: "It is a very difficult operation, but not impossible."