Real Madrid outbid Barcelona for Chivu

Real Madrid have made the biggest offer for Roma defender Cristian Chivu.

Inter Milan and Barcelona are also in talks with Roma chiefs for the Romania international, but AS says Real's £12 million bid represents the biggest offer the Italian club has so far received.

Bernd Schuster has already informed Real president Ramon Calderon that he'd like Chivu signed and their bid is £1.5 million greater than what Barcelona have tabled.