Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reportedly blocked a move by AC Milan for a Premier League star who was once his teammate.
The 42-year-old, who is now a "senior advisor to ownership" at the Rossoneri, has stopped the Italian giants from signing fellow former player Thiago Silva, who currently plays for Chelsea, from rejoining the Serie A club at the end of the season, according to TeamTALK.
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The Brazilian announced earlier this week that he will be departing the Blues as a free agent when the current campaign comes to a close.
A return to Serie A is potentially on the cards, with Silva said to be evaluating a number of options with his family that could see him remain in Europe next season.
It is believed some clubs in the EPL have also registered an interest in signing the 39-year-old, while outside of the continent, MLS side Orlando City and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr are said to have registered their interest in the veteran defender too.
Milan are believed to have been among the inquisitive parties, with it being suggested the side evaluated the player's profile amid its search for a new centre-back.
It is claimed the Rossoneri also saw his soon-to-be free agent status as an advantage, but Ibrahimovic has reportedly rejected the star's potential return, citing concerns about his age.
With a magical return to the San Siro now seemingly off the cards, the Italian giants are said to have turned their attention elsewhere in their bid to replace defenders Simon Kjaer and Mattia Caldara, who are believed to be on their way out.
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A return to Brazil is said to be the former Paris Saint-Germain centre-back's likely destination, with Fluminense claimed to be first in line to land his signature.
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