Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is sweating on a deal for Valencia winger David Silva.

The Mirror says Benitez felt he was in pole position to land Silva from his old club Valencia, only for Real Madrid to declare an interest.

Real sporting director Miguel Paradeza and general director Jorge Valdano met Silva's agent Julio Llorente for 90 minutes earlier this week.

Benitez has improved his initial £15m offer to almost £18m, but knows Real have the financial muscle to elbow him aside.