Fluminense sporting director Fred has admitted that Thiago Silva remains a ‘dream’ signing for the club and they hope to see him back in Brazil when his Chelsea contract ends.

The Brazilian giants have made their interest clear in the 39-year-old, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season.

The central-defender has been in regular contact with the club and speaks to the president on a weekly basis. Silva has missed out on selection for recent games for Chelsea, despite Mauricio Pochettino’s injury crisis limiting his options.

He could be set to return to his hometown club, where he played for two-and-a-half seasons between 2006 and 2009.

Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Fluminense sporting director Fred said: “Thiago Silva has been a dream of ours for a long time, the president talks to him almost every week.

“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 here that the doors are wide open for him to return.

“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 players wish, the club’s wish and we hope it happens as soon as possible.”

The Blues are seemingly looking at centre-backs ahead of the summer transfer window. Lille’s Leny Yoro remains an interest of Stamford Bridge, though reports claim both PSG and Real Madrid are also eyeing up the 18-year-old.

90min understands Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo are also on their shortlist as defensive reinforcements.

Chelsea and Silva will return to action after the international break against Burnley in the Premier League on 30 March.