Real Madrid ready to ruin Man United’s bid for Monaco star

Manchester United’s chances of signing Monaco ace Bernardo Silva look to have suffered a blow, if the latest reports are to be believed.

French outlet Le 10 Sport claim that Real Madrid have opened talks with the attacking midfielder, who has shone in Ligue 1 this term.

With Monaco chasing their first league title in 17 years, Silva has netted eight goals in addition to contributing six assists.

But their success has seen many of their star men land on the radars of Europe’s biggest clubs, and that includes Silva.

United were leading the chase as recently as last month, but now Real appear to have stolen a march.

And it’s believed that the reason is James Rodriguez, with the Colombian set to quit the Bernabeu at the end of the season.

Rodriguez has failed to hold down a regular first-term place under Zinedine Zidane, with Alvaro Morata preferred in Gareth Bale’s absence.

Offloading the forward will also help balance the books for acquiring Silva, with Monaco demanding at least £43m for the 22-year-old.

The Portuguese international initially joined the Les Monegasques on loan from Benfica in the summer of 2014, and the move was made permanent a few months later.

Silva has netted 22 goals in 89 league games for Monaco, and has gone on to make 10 appearances for Portugal.

For now, United and Jose Mourinho will focus on Thursday night’s Europa League trip to FC Rostov.

And our odds of 3/4 favouritism suggests the Red Devils will overcome the long trip and return to England with the first-leg advantage.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing