City close in on Silva

(GSM) – Manchester City are set to reach an agreement for Valencia winger David Silva, according to reports emanating from Spain.

The Blues, who have been strongly linked with the Spain international, are believed to have stolen a march ahead of their rivals to striking a deal.

Silva, who is away on international duty with Spain at the World Cup finals, has already accepted that his time at the Mestalla may have com to an end with Los Che’s financial troubles well known.

And City, with their deep pockets, have leapt forward to strike a deal with chief executive Garry Cook reported to have travelled to Spain for talks with Valencia president Manuel Llorente on Monday.

It is believed that City are looking to use Roque Santa Cruz as a makeweight in the transfer, with the Paraguayan striker having slipped down the pecking order at Eastlands.

Valencia are thought to be keen on the idea, having been left short on attacking options after selling David Villa to Barcelona and Nikola Zigic to Birmingham.

They are willing to take the South American on loan, with the view to a permanent deal being struck next summer.

Los Che are also keen for City to help carry the financial burden of such a deal and are looking for them to continue paying around 20 per cent of Santa Cruz’s wages.