Real Madrid Monitoring Valencia's Silva

David Silva has been subject to transfer talk after his stunning displays for Spain at Euro 2008, and speculation over the summer suggested the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool would be vying for his signature.

Now after the events of the season so far across Europe, it appears that Real Madrid may be the only major side actively seeking new signings in the transfer market, and Silva is in their sights as they look to challenge Barcelona in the title run-in.

Marca reports that Los Merengues vice-president Vicente Boluda visited the Mestalla on Thursday with a view to making the 22-year old a Madrid player in January.

The story is given further verve given news of Valencia's current financial plight. Unai Emery has been told to drastically trim his wage bill, and big earners such as Ivan Helguera and Asier Del Horno have been made available for transfer as the club look to boost the coffers.

They are fully aware that in David Silva, and also compatriot David Villa, they have two players of immense value. Silva's minimum release clause is thought to be around the €50 million  mark, and it is believed that the purpose of Bolunda's visit was to negotiate a figure considerably less than that amount.

Silva is currently out of action for Los Che with an ankle injury, one that has kept him sidelined since the beginning of September, and his sides title challenge has stalled recently. They were beaten at home by both Sporting Gijon and Racing Santander, and a Thierry Henry-inspired Barcelona thumped them 4-0 at the Camp Nou last night.

How they could with Silva back in action, and the club will have to make a difficult decision between financial security and putting a quality team on the pitch.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com