Real Madrid plan cash, players swap offer for AC Milan's Thiago Silva

Real Madrid have identified Thiago Silva as Ricardo Carvalho's replacement.

The AC Milan defender is regarded by many as the best centre-half in the world.

Italian sources say Real are planning a cash-plus-player swap offer to convince Milan to part with the Brazil international.

Real will offer €25 million plus Sami Khedira AND Lassana Diarra in exchange for Thiago Silva at the end of this season.