Real move for Everton's Gravesen

Everton manager David Moyes hopes to ward off a reported 4 million euro (2.8 million pound) bid by Real Madrid for his combative Denmark midfielder Thomas Gravesen.

"I want him to stay," Moyes said Wednesday. "We've had no contact and I hope it stays that way."

Gravesen's agent John Sivabaek told BBC Sport from Madrid: "I'm here to listen to what Real have to say. Nothing has been agreed, but this is a big opportunity for any player."

"I will be meeting Real on Wednesday. There is serious interest, but it's in Everton's hands."

Manchester United and AC Milan have also been linked with Gravesen, and Sivabaek confirmed: "Yes, there has been other interest, but we are dealing with one thing at a time and we will speak to Real."

"I think they want him now rather than at the end of the season."

Everton must decide whether to cash in now on the Denmark midfield man, or risk losing him for nothing in the summer.

The 28-year-old Gravesen whose, contract ends in June, joined Everton from Hamburg in 2000.

Reports in Spain said Real would pay for Gravesen with cash from Fernando Morientes' imminent move to Liverpool.

Real were expected to move for Marseille's Benoit Pedretti or Arsenal's Edu if they cannot sign Gravesen.