Gilberto Silva talk hots up
Gilberto Silva has been touted for a switch to England following his impressive displays during Brazil's march to a record fifth World Cup title.
Planetfootball understands the 25-year-old was not in England last week, as had been widely reported, but there is strong interest from The Red Devils, Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Arsenal are believed to be using their extensive South American contacts to explore the possibility of signing Gilberto Silva while Villa are scouring for a replacement for out-going midfielder George Boateng.
However, United appear to have jumped to the head of the queue for Gilberto Silva's services despite no pressing need to reinforce their engine room.
A Red Devils delegation is believed to be heading to Belo Horizonte later this week for negotiations about a transfer with Mineiro demanding $12 million (£7.5 million) for the player.
Mineiro president Ricardo Guimaraes said: "We had an offer from an English team last week but I can't say the name.
"Now we know that there are three Premier League clubs interested and they are Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa."
The Brazilian outfit have already rejected an $6 million offer from Villarreal and an $8 million bid from Fenerbahce.
