According to an exclusive report from the Sun, Tottenham are eyeing out-of-contract defensive star Thiago Silva – with the likes of Everton and bitter rivals Arsenal also reportedly keen on the £4.32 million-valued man.
Silva, starting 20 Ligue 1 matches for Paris-Saint Germain this season, will not be renewing his stay at the Parc des Princes – opening the door for a host of Premier League clubs to come knocking.
As club favourite Jan Vertonghen looks unlikely to be signing an extension of his own, Spurs are now in the market for someone who can fill his shoes – even if it is only on a temporary basis.
Could Thiago Silva replace Vertonghen?
Yes, great experience
No, don't need a quick fix
The 35-year-old, now well in to the twilight stages of his career, has still impressed when given the chance over 2019/2020 – averaging a highly impressive 95% pass accuracy out from the back domestically according to WhoScored.
Nicknamed ‘The Monster‘ in his native Brazil, Silva is now attracting attention from English suitors due to the fact he will be available on a free deal once his current contract expires.
Due to Spurs’ current financial situation, resulting in chairman Daniel Levy borrowing £175 million from the Bank of England through a loan, it appears as if we will only be in the market for free agents, bargain deals and loan-to-buy options.
Now, the Sun report manager Jose Mourinho wishes to land Silva as a potential Vertonghen replacement, but his reported wage demands could be a ‘stumbling block‘.
The Brazilian would reportedly command a heavy £350,000-per-week wage, marking the investment out as a potentially expensive one despite the free transfer.
Even though Silva has a wealth of experience at the top level, it’s debatable whether we would be willing to pay his lofty salary.