Chelsea 'will not block Thiago Silva exit this summer'

Chelsea are reportedly unlikely to stand in Thiago Silva's way if he wishes to return to Brazil this summer.

The 38-year-old defender has been a regular for Chelsea in his three years at the club since joining from Paris Saint-Germain.

However, with reports linking him with a move back to Fluminense in his homeland, the Telegraph claims that Chelsea may allow him to move on.

Silva has yet to make a decision on his future and will do so at the end of the season.

The veteran defender has played at Fluminense previously in his career, turning out for the side between 2006 and 2009, before moving to AC Milan.

Despite being an important first-team player for the Blues, Chelsea still have enough players in reserve to fill the void should Silva leave, with Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Kalidou Koulibaly all recent recruits in central defence.