Man Utd ahead of Real Madrid in Mavuba pursuit

Manchester United are threatening Real Madrid's bid to land Bordeaux midfielder Rio Mavuba.

The 20 year-old is Real's top midfield target for January after GM Arrigo Sacchi chose the youngster ahead of vice-president Emilio Butragueno's favourite, Everton's Thomas Gravesen.

DiarioSport says United have made Bordeaux aware they're prepared to pay £10 million for Mavuba at the end of this season.

If Real president Florentino Perez fails to convince Bordeaux to cash in now for a lesser fee, then Madrid will drop their interest in Mavuba and bid for Gravesen.