Lucas Silva
Lucas Silva is likely to move to Real Madrid Reuters

Real Madrid have stepped up the negotiations for Brazilian youngster Lucas Silva, reports in Spain have claimed.

The 21-year-old Cruzeiro midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United during the summer after his agent Luiz Rocha revealed contact with Louis van Gaal's side over a possible transfer deal – with Chelsea also reportedly monitoring the situation.

Related

"There are not many details. I can confirm that I was approached by people linked to Manchester United and Inter Milan. There is an official proposal. We are waiting." Rocha said.

However, Real Madrid appear to be in pole position to secure the Brazilian under-21 international's services.

Marca reported earlier in the season that Los Blancos had been monitoring Silva since the summer as they had identified him as Sami Khedira's replacement.

And even though with the German international stayed at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid decided against his signing but are reportedly still interested in his services.

Khedira is still expected to leave the club at the end of his current contract next summer while Spanish newspaper AS claims Los Blancos have recently approached Cruzeiro regarding a summer move for Silva, with the Brazilian side demanding a fee of £12m.

Should Real Madrid match Cruzeiro's demands, they are unlikely to have a problem when it comes to agreeing personal terms with Silva, as earlier in the season, he revealed he was more than likely to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Of course I'd like to play for Real Madrid, it would be an honour. But for that to happen, an agreement between the clubs would need to be put in place first. I'm a Cruzeiro player and have so much respect for my club. If a club like Real Madrid came along, I wouldn't turn them down," he said.

"When a club like Real Madrid want you, it always makes you feel proud and happy. I know that I have to be focused here at Cruzeiro, that's my club. But interest from Real Madrid inspires me to keep working hard."