Manchester City have launched a stunning bid for AC Milan defender Thiago Silva. If they can pull it off, City will have trumped Barcelona for a player regarded the best centre-half in the world.

Corriere dello Sport says City are prepared to slap down €30 million on the counter for Thiago Silva and are also open to discussing a swap involving Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli would move to Milan for a price €20 million, meaning City would only need to cough up €10 million to land Brazilian Thiago Silva.