Chelsea transfers rumours and news: Thiago Silva linked with summer move; Ronald Koeman interested in Blues job

All the latest transfer gossip and news from Stanford Bridge on Saturday 23 January

Chelsea have been linked with a surprise move for Paris Saint Germain defender Thiago Silva as the fallen Premier League champions move on from their failed pursuit of John Stones. The 31-year-old centre-back is settled in France but would offer proven experience and ability to a defence which has been unable to prevent a worrying slide in fortunes at Stamford Bridge.

According to Italian news outlet Tuttomercatoweb, the Blues are considering a summer swoop for the former AC Milan defender ahead of a revamp under new management. Silva has won three Ligue 1 titles with the Parisian giants and was named in the 2014 World Cup dream team despite Brazil’s disastrous semi-final exit. It is rumoured he would ask for wages in the region of £175,000-a-week in wages.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has revealed he would like to manage Chelsea one day as the league strugglers look for a long-term replacement for Jose Mourinho. The 52-year-old revealed he hopes his friend and fellow Dutchman Guus Hiddink, the current Blues interim manager, can put in a good reference for him in the coming months.

“If Guus puts a good word in for me,” he said, “that would be a big influence.” Koeman has won trophies with Ajax, Benfica and Valencia but is yet to lift silverware at St Mary’s. But the Saints boss remains confident he will return to a top job in European football. “It is certainly something that I always have at the back of my mind. I always want to achieve the highest possible level. That has happened in Holland and that’s what I’d really like to achieve abroad.”

The former England man during his Chelsea days

Former Blues left-back Ashley Cole could make a shock return to the Premier League with Manchester United. The Independent’s Mark Ogden reports the Red Devils are hesitant to take the 35-year-old but are keeping their options open amid the traditionally difficult January transfer window.

Cole is expected to join Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles Galaxy and has been in discussions about a move across the Atlantic for some time. But Louis van Gaal is desperate for defensive cover as he struggles to overcome a crippling injury crisis at United. It remains to be seen if the former England defender will have his head turned by one last shot in English football.

Petr Cech (GETTY IMAGES)

Ahead of this Sunday’s clash with league leaders Arsenal, Hiddink has hinted that he disagrees with the decision to let Petr Cech join the Gunners last summer. The Chelsea legend lifted four titles at Stamford Bridge and played a pivotal role in their solitary Champions League triumph in 2012. But the club’s hierarchy allowed him to join a direct rival last year, causing heated debate.

“I must say that Petr reacted very well in his performances,” Hiddink said. “You have to acknowledge that. He’s performing extremely well. “Petr was, and is still — at 33 — one of those kind of goalies who is so determined and ambitious. We sat at a computer a lot of times. He’s so detailed and ambitious. I think he has proven in recent years that he’s among the top in the world.”