Chelsea ready for contract extension with Thiago Silva

Chelsea are set to open talks with Thiago Silva over a contract extension with chiefs reportedly ‘so happy’ with the veteran defender following his arrival last summer.

Silva, 36, joined the Premier League side having left the all-conquering Paris Saint-Germain after eight years in the French capital, leading the side to seven league titles during his spell there.

The Brazilian was brought to Stamford Bridge by Frank Lampard with the Blues in need of an experienced leader to help guide the club’s burgeoning squad of young talent.

And although Silva’s first few months at Chelsea hasn’t entirely gone according to plan, with Lampard sacked in January, the club wish to tie the defender down to extended terms.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Blues would like to keep Silva at the club next season as they are ‘so happy’ with his contributions thus far.

New Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is also said to be pleased with the Brazilian, having worked with him in Paris, and the extension would be on the same terms as his current deal.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph reports that the success of Chelsea’s pursuit of David Alaba rests on the defender’s willingness to lower his £400,000-a-week wage demands.

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The Bayern Munich defender has attracted interest from a host of clubs across Europe with his contract with the European champions set to expire this summer, with Real Madrid heavily linked with the Austrian.

Chelsea would like to partner Silva with Alaba next season, but a move to west London would require the 28-year-old to lower his eye-watering wage demands.