Manchester United should consider signing Chelsea defender Thiago Silva when his contract expires this summer, according to former BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson.
The Brazilian has confirmed that he will leave the Blues after four years at Stamford Bridge and, speaking to Paddy Power, Lawrenson said he can see the centre-back “going to Old Trafford”:
“I could see Thiago Silva going to another Premier League team in the summer, but the only thing is that he needs to play in a back three. There are teams who play in a three and he’s shown that he can still play.”
“I think there will be lots of Premier League teams who will be looking at him, even if it’s just for one year with an opportunity to extend, if he’s still good enough.”
“I could possibly see him going to Old Trafford in the summer, and you’d know that he would be a good signing for him as long as he can stay fit because he’s been a top player but also he looks fit, and can play the ball out from the back comfortably, which is something that Manchester United haven’t had from their central defenders this season.”
Silva does already have offers from Premier League rivals
It has been claimed that the 39-year-old has proposals from at least three other English teams, all based in London.
Silva’s family are expected to remain in the UK regardless of his next club so he could be tempted by an offer to join another Premier League team. However, most believe he will decide to return to Brazil in order to play for his first club Fluminense.
United will be in the market for a centre-half
With Raphael Varane expected to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer in June, the Red Devils will be on the lookout for a potential replacement. It is doubtful, though, whether Silva will come under consideration.
The Manchester club’s recruitment department are thought to be focused on recruiting younger players, with the likes of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo having all been linked.
