Real Madrid smashes AC Milan offer for Gilardino

Real Madrid have made a mega offer to Parma for striker Alberto Gilardino.
 
The Spanish giants' bid blows AC Milan's rival offer out of the water - including the contract that is on the table for the 22 year-old Italy international.

Real Madrid, under the instructions of their Italian general manager Arrigo Sacchi, have offered Parma £22 million plus striker Javier Portillo this week for Gilardino.

Personal terms have also been discussed, with Real's five-year, £2.4 million-a-year contract, smashing Milan's proposed £1.4 million-a-year deal.

Parma chiefs are seriously considering Real's bid as it would mean the club wouldn't have to sell another player over the summer market to clear spiraling debts.

But the final word will be left with Gilardino, who has admitted he is reluctant to quit Italy with the World Cup only 12 months away.