Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt has reiterated the club’s desire to sign Chelsea defender Thiago Silva.

The 39-year-old started his career with Fluminense and, speaking to TNT Sports (quotes via Sport Witness), Bittencourt said he will make a concerted effort to bring the defender back to Brazil next year:

“I continue with this desire to bring him in. For the brilliant player he is, for his high performance at his age. That he’s a great Tricolor. I’m sure that one day he could play for Fluminense again.”

Silva seriously considered returning to Fluminense last summer, but the defender eventually reiterated his commitment to the Blues.

The player’s recent comments suggest he is torn about moving back to Fluminense

Just last month, Silva spoke out about the chances of him joining the newly-crowned Copa Libertadores winners. He acknowledged his long-standing relationship with the team but also emphasised that the needs of his family would have to be considered:

“This is a long-standing relationship, right? But I’d rather keep quiet at the moment, because it’s been controversial in the recent past. I have a family, I have children. So we have to think about that too. It’s about seeing where to finish off this beautiful career.”

Silva has two sons currently playing in Chelsea’s academy, and that may play a role in him deciding to stay in London. Nothing has, though, been set in stone at this stage, with his contract set to expire at the end of June.

Do Chelsea have any potential replacements lined up if Silva opts to leave?

Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo has been mentioned as a possible target in recent days, while the Blues have also been credited with an interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba and former player Marc Guehi.

With Silva’s future still up in the air, it may be a while before we know whether a replacement is needed.