Manchester City almost missed out on signing David Silva as Real Madrid were eyeing a move for the Spanish playmaker, according to reports.

Manuel Pellegrini was manager of Los Blancos back in 2009 when he reportedly wanted the 29-year-old to join the Spanish giants, but Real president Florentino Perez decided to sign Kaka from AC Milan.

Real also signed Cristiano Ronaldo that summer but according to the Manchester Evening News, a new biography about the Chilean manager revealed that he was determined to bring Silva to the Bernabeu.

In the book, it is believed that Pellegrini advised Perez to sign the World Cup winner over Kaka due to worries about cartilage problems in the Brazilian star's knees.

David Silva has managed over 200 appearances for City in six years, scoring 40 goals.