Man City move in for Thiago Silva

Manchester City are set to go head to head with Spanish giants Barcelona for the signature of AC Milan defender Thiago Silva.

Barcelona made a bid for the 27-year-old Brazilian international in the summer but it was rejected by the Italians who said they would not welcome any further approaches for their star player.

But Manchester City will not want to let the chance to sign one of the best centre backs in the world go without making their own bid, and look set to make an approach for Silva in the summer.

City will have a to bid big if they are to have any chance of signing the defender, but money has not proved to be an issue since Sheikh Mansour took over the club in 2008.

Silva is a popular figure with the Milan fans, with some sections of supporters dubbing him the new Franco Baresi.