Gravesen agent in Madrid listening to offer

Thomas Gravesen’s agent believes Real Madrid are not prepared to wait until the summer to sign the Everton midfielder.

John Sivebaek, who is the Denmark international’s representative, has been speaking to Real officials in the Spanish capital about the possibility of the 28-year-old moving to the Bernabeu during the transfer window.

Gravesen could move on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season but Sivebaek believes the Primera Liga superpower are keen to make their move now, as they look to battle their way back into the Spanish title race after a disappointing first half of the season.

“I’m in Madrid just to hear what they have to say,” Sivebaek said this morning. “They’d like to have him now, but it’s not in my hands, it is up to Everton. I have the impression that they want him now, rather than at the end of the season.”

If Real want to prise Gravesen away from Goodison Park, they would need to offer a transfer fee, and a £2m (€2.9m) price-tag has been reported in the Spanish press.

Sivebaek admits he does not know if a bid from Real is imminent.

“In this game something can happen in an hour or it can happen in a week. It is difficult to say,” he added. “Obviously Real Madrid would be a big opportunity but if he stays at Everton until the end of the season, I think he would also be happy with that.”

New Real coach Wanderley Luxemburgo is looking at options to strengthen his team, who are preparing to play Juventus over two legs in the first knockout stage of the Champions League.

As Everton are not in Europe this season, Gravesen would be able to compete with England captain David Beckham for a place in midfield for Real’s Champions League fixtures.

A 3-0 win over city rivals Atletico at the weekend, coupled with Barcelona’s surprise 3-0 reversal at Villarreal, maintained Real’s interest in the Primera Liga crown, although they are still seven points adrift of their bitter rivals from Catalunya, who top the table.