Chelsea, United to battle Real for Monaco playmaker – reports

Joe Williams

Real Madrid have reportedly held secret talks with the agent of Monaco star Bernardo Silva as Manchester United and Chelsea are also linked with the midfielder.

Silva has been in great form for the Ligue 1 side this season with eight goals and eight assists in all competitions to help them into the Champions League semi-finals and to second place in France’s top-flight.

Premier League outfits Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with the Portugal international with Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho looking to improve their midfield ranks in the summer.

But Don Balon claims that Real Madrid could have jumped to the front of the queue after club president president Florentino Perez met up with Silva’s agent Jorge Mendes to discuss possible transfers.

Mendes is understood to have recommended the 22-year-old as a signing and Don Balon also report that Silva wants to move to a bigger club.