Inter Milan are favourites to trump city rivals AC Milan for Fluminense defender Thiago Silva.

The Brazil international has declared he will leave Fluminense at the end of the year to make the move to Europe.

Milan have dispatched Leonardo to Sao Paulo for talks with Thiago Silva, but Inter insiders are confident they have a deal in place.

It's understood the defender has already agreed personal terms with the Serie A champs, despite him declaring hope of playing with good friends Ronaldinho and Kaka.