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City "very interested" in Brazil ace
Manchester City, 11:47, July 30, 2010 ,
Manchester City are battling with Real Madrid to sign the Inter Milan defender Maicon, according to the player's agent.
The Brazil international had been expected to complete his move to the Bernabeu before the Spanish season kicks-off on August 28 but Maicon, Inter and Real have hit a stumbling block over the transfer fee and his wages.
Antonio Caliendo, Maicon's agent, has now revealed that City could move in and capture the defender if Real continue to stall over a deal, although he admitted Madrid was the Brazilian's preferred destination.
"The player is on the market, but we don't know what Inter's wishes are," Caliendo told Spanish radio station Onda Cero.
"The deal with Real Madrid isn't very clear. I hope to have more clarity in the next few hours.
"It's clear that every club who signs a player thinks about paying him more than necessary, but perhaps Real underestimate the value of the player.
"Spanish clubs spend 10s and 10s of millions then balk at a million for Maicon. Something isn't right here.
"In Madrid there are also players who earn €12m a year. Maicon was a big investment for Inter and it's right that they now name their price.
"The thing that surprises me is Real Madrid's behaviour. They underestimate the support a champion like Maicon could give them.
"Maicon's first option is Real Madrid. Manchester City are very interested, but Madrid are always in front.
"We will try to find a solution with Real Madrid on the theme of Maicon."
City have been linked with a move for Maicon in the past but it had appeared that their interest had cooled and it remains to be seen whether the Eastlands side will step up their bid for the defender or if Caliendo is simply trying to get the best possible deal for his client at Real Madrid.