PSG Transfer News: Thiago Silva Linked with Milan Return Amid Contract Rumours

Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva could be heading back to Italy after reports linked him with a return to AC Milan.

Talks over the renewal of Silva’s contract at the French club have stalled, and Milan are believed to be at the front of the queue to re-sign their former star.

The centre-back’s deal in Paris runs until mid-2017, and Milan's new Chinese investors are keen to land him on a pre-contract agreement at the end of this year, as reported by UOL (h/t Jack Rathborn of ESPN FC).

Milan sold Silva to the Ligue 1 champions for €42 million in 2012.

This tweet from Milan four years ago showed their love for Silva at signing an extended deal before his shock sale to PSG just 12 days later:

However, a return could now be on the cards, as the 31-year-old’s relationship with the PSG hierarchy has been strained over the summer after he failed to make the Brazil Olympic squad when the club couldn’t reach agreement over his release.

The home nation went on to claim the gold medal, and Silva revealed his disappointment at missing out to Loic Tanzi of Goal:

"

After a year-and-a-half without wearing the shirt of the selection I wanted to go and play the Games.

[...]

We tried to speak with the club to try and let me go to play in the Olympic Games but it was complicated.

[...]

[We] found a solution at the last moment with the club. From my point of view things didn't take place as I expected. The club wanted to keep the captain [with the squad] after the change of coach.

"

Andre Penner/Associated Press

The capture of Silva was a key moment in the new era of investment at PSG. He arrived in the summer of 2012 with Zlatan Ibrahimovic to propel the ambitious plans of owners, Qatar Sports Investments, and president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

The strong, ball-playing defender has proved a central figure at the hub of the side's domestic success.

Indeed, should PSG allow Silva to leave the Parc des Princes, it would leave them shorn of a world-class defender at a time when the club should be looking to strengthen for a serious Champions League challenge.

Laurent Blanc lost the manager's job on the basis of a poor Champions League run last season, and new boss Unai Emery will surely feel aggrieved should the club let Silva follow his compatriot David Luiz out the door.

Milan, meanwhile, are increasingly confident they can secure Silva's return as a marquee signing for next season.