David Silva

The Manchester City midfielder David Silva has once again emerged as a major transfer target for Real Madrid in the summer, as they look to close the gap on the leaders Barcelona.

Silva came extremely close to joining Real Madrid in the last summer transfer window only for the player to sign a new contract with the Premier league champions. Silver signed a new five year contract with Manchester City in the summer that would make him one of the best paid players at the club. Despite this, the interest from the Spanish club has not waned yet especially after a poor season in the league.

Silva is one of the main transfer promises of the Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. After managing to win the title last season, City have been extremely poor in the league this season. They have fallen 12 points behind the leaders Manchester United in the table. As a result, there has been a lot of speculation about the future of the manager Roberto Mancini, while as much as 11 players could be sold in the summer as part of a major clear out. The striker Mario Balotelli has already left the club, but Silva is unlikely to be sold given his importance within the team.

The 26-year-old might not have had the best of seasons with Manchester City, but he still remains an influential player. Silva was one of the main reasons for City winning the title last season. Equally, his poor form this season has meant that City have been unable to recreate the form of last season. It is thought that Real Madrid were willing to bid up to £ 50 million for the player, who cost Manchester City around £ 24 million from Valencia more than two years ago. Silva has managed three league goals this season.