The slight Spaniard has been courted by a handful of clubs in recent years, with both United and Liverpool thought to be just two of the leading clubs chasing a signature.

Silva and Valencia team-mate David Villa are continuously courted by the cream of europe, with Los Che suffering serious financial difficulties that threatened a mass exodus from the Mestalla only a year ago.

Despite the La Liga side holding onto their stars through the difficult times, speculation linking either of the Spaniards away from their current home is never far from the headlines.

That is very much the case now, with speculation rife in the English media that Silva is set for a move to the Premier League this year.

Rafael Benitez has an obvious link to the 24-year-old from his time at Valencia, while Sir Alex Ferguson is thought to have had Silva scouted on more than one occasion.

Both now face a fight with Real Madrid though, after Spanish publication Marca reported that Real Madrid are willing to make a €25 million move in the summer.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.