Fluminense sporting director Fred has revealed that Chelsea defender Thiago Silva would be a "dream" signing for the Brazilian club this summer.
The 39-year-old has spent the last three-and-a-half seasons with the West Londoners and has made a total of 148 appearances across all competitions.
Silva has won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge and remains a first-team regular under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
However, speculation over Silva's long-term future at Chelsea is rife as the experienced defender is due to see his contract expire at the end of the season.
There are currently no signs to suggest that the 113-cap Brazil international will be offered a new deal and a potential return to South America has been mooted.
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Silva stated in January that he is "super relaxed" about his future at Chelsea, although he suggested that his time at the club is "ending".
The Evening Standard claims that Silva's former club Fluminense and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr have tabled offers for the defender over the last six months.
Silva began his youth career with Fluminense back in 1998 and returned to the club for a two-year period between 2007 and 2009, making 97 first-team appearances before joining AC Milan.
Fluminense chief Fred has reiterated the club's desire to lure Silva back to his boyhood club before the defender decides to hang up his boots.
"Thiago Silva has been a dream of ours for a long time, the president talks to him almost every week," Fred told ESPN Brasil.
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"Thiago has a contract in England, we're rooting for him, I personally am a friend of his, I'm a big fan of his character, he deserves all the best.
"He knows that here the doors are wide open for him to return. There's nothing [imminent]. We have to be careful not to put pressure on Thiago.
"The fans love Thiago, we love Thiago, and Thiago loves Fluminense. One day it's inevitable, it will happen, it's the player's wish, the club's wish and we hope it happens as soon as possible."
Silva's potential departure form Chelsea comes at a time when the Blues have been credited with an interest in a number of central defenders including Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande, Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Lille's Leny Yoro.
Oliver Thomas
