Neymar 'has to go to Chelsea', urges Thiago Silva who wants his Brazil team-mate at Stamford Bridge

Thiago Silva has expressed his hopes that his Brazil team-mate Neymar will join him at Chelsea.

Neymar has been linked to a move away from Paris Saint-Germain, with the Blues one of several clubs linked to the star - and among the very few able to afford his expensive services.

Chelsea defender Silva was asked about the topic by local media while on holiday in the Brazilian city of Recife.

'He has to go to Chelsea,' the 37-year-old told JC via SportWitness. 'If it happens, it will be for the best. He needs no comments… So far, I don’t know anything, but I hope it comes to fruition'.

Chelsea notably tried to sign Neymar back in 2010, but his Brazilian club Santos turned down the offer, and instead renewed the then exciting prospect's contract.

Neymar moved to Barcelona in 2013, spending four years at the Catalan club, winning La Liga twice, before moving to PSG in a deal just shy of £200million.

In Paris, Neymar has led the team to four Ligue 1 titles in five years, but it is reported that the club have told him that his services are no longer required.

PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi refused to confirm that Neymar was part of the club's plan for the 2022-23 season.

PSG's reported decision to axe Neymar comes after he scored 13 league goals in 22 appearances, despite missing several months through an ankle injury.

He also has three years remaining on his PSG contract, something which undoubtedly complicates matters further.

Chelsea's new owner Todd Boehly may be able to fork out for Neymar's high wages, which are in the region of £24m-a-year, a figure that reported suitors Barcelona and Juventus would be unable to match.

The Blues will also be anxious to get a new striker with Romelu Lukaku leaving London on loan, returning to Inter Milan.