re: **** Official Summer 2012 Transfer Thread ****

Silva told Florentino personally via telephone that he would like to play in Madrid. He is however, loathe to create problems in Manchester, as in his own words, they've treated him well.

Citeh's sheikh responded with a 'I don't need the cash', for €65M, Silva is free to go'.

Flo got pissed with this ridiculous figure, says he's going to do this the way he sees fit (behind the back pressure, based upon the player's desire to be in Spain).

Given Flo's history of pulling players, the Sheikh has got nervous, has recapitulated, is more receptive and has begun talking about Gonzalo Higuain or Lass Diarrá in the equation.

Hmmmmh.

Modric is the next bullet in the chamber for RM (and the bargaining lever methinks).