Goal.com

The highly-rated Brazilian centre-back, who has been courted by Manchester City and Barcelona lately, is in France to talk with Les Parisiens

By Robin Bairner & Elia Raimondo

AC Milan centre-back Thiago Silva is on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain, Leonardo, sporting director of the French club, has confirmed.

The Brazil international defender is regarded as one of the outstanding players in his position in the world and has caught the eye of Carlo Ancelotti’s PSG, who are eager to strengthen their rearguard as they attempt to establish themselves as a superpower of the game following the takeover of the club by QSI last summer.

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A source close to the Italian club told Goal.com: "Milan have given Thiago Silva permission to speak to PSG. It's not yet official but it will be."

This has been supported by Leonardo, who told L'Equipe: "We are going to see Thiago Silva ... but it will not be easy!"

While the clubs are still some distance apart on a potential transfer fee, the South American is currently in Paris to push through the move. PSG are willing to put forward €40 million, but the Serie A giants have set their asking price for the 27-year-old at €50m.

However, the Brazilian's agent, Paulo Tonietto, has admitted a switch is likely to RMC: "I know PSG are very interested in Thiago Silva, but at the moment the player is still Rossoneri. However, anything is possible."

Manchester City registered an interest in Silva in May, offering a part-exchange deal that would have included Carlos Tevez, although the Rossoneri turned this down as they simply want cash for their defensive keystone. Meanwhile, Barcelona appear unwilling to match Milan’s asking price.

This interest provoked a quick response from the defender, who said that he would remain at San Siro, but the serious nature of PSG’s approach has enticed him to discuss terms with the ambitious Ligue 1 outfit.

With money stretched for the seven-time European champions, they are prepared to part company with one of their few great assets as things stand, though there are rumours that they could be subject to investment by Sheik Al Maktoum.

If the Emirati tycoon were to inject money into the club by purchasing a 25 per cent share, the Rossoneri’s stance would alter drastically, and the Brazilian would not be sold, yet present owner Silvio Berlusconi is against giving up such a large proportion of his share, which may pave the way to Paris for Silva.

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