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Milan defender heading to Catalonia?

Spanish newspapers have been running the story that A.C. Milan defender Thiago Silva is close to completing a move to Barcelona. The Catalans are interested in the Brazilian central defender as a long term replacement for 33 year-old Carles Puyol.

One of Silva's biggest talents is his ability to make tackles that don't get him into the referee's book. Last season he played 39 games for Milan and only picked up one booking for the duration. This factor will be very appealing to Barcelona as they already have a level headed defender in the form of Piqué.

Barcelona will have to act quickly though as Silva is gaining more notoriety in the football world and many clubs are keen to add the 27 year-old to their squad. One of Barça's biggest opponents in the race for his signature are Manchester City. The Mancunian club have been looking to bolster up their defence and with captain Vincent Kompany suspended until February, Mancini will be eager to add during this January window.

The Manchester club could scupper any chances of the deal going through though, as want-away striker Carlos Tevez, who is known to be a Milan target, could be a deciding factor. It would seem hope for the Barça signing is still there and would come from an unexpected source as there have been reports that Milan is struggling to pay off the €24 million they paid to Barcelona for Ibrahimović. This could push the Italian club to settle for a cut price bid from Barcelona to reduce the debt from the Swedish striker.

It has been no secret that Barcelona are keen on the Brazillian especially as he would already have chemistry with right back and fellow Brazillian Dani Alves. Plus Puyol is starting to become injury-prone and Guardiola has often played a make-shift defence with defensive midfielders Mascherano and Busquests having to adapt to a different role.

Andreu Fontàs is only the other recognised centre back at Barça and has yet to show he is a player worthy of the Barcelona shirt. Guardiola reportedly made a move for Thiago Silva last summer but was rebuffed by Milan saying they were not looking to sell any of their big players. But with the sale of Ibrahimović, the goalposts may have moved in Barça's favour.

A €25 million bid should be enough for Milan to release the defender who has kept a level head throughout all the speculation. Declaring that it is the club and his agent who deals with contracts and transfer requests. So while this move may not go through during this winter window, don't be surprised to see Silva switch clubs before his 2016-ending contract is up.

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