Chelsea star Thiago Silva says Neymar ‘has to’ move to Stamford Bridge as Brazilian ‘considers his future’ with PSG

THIAGO SILVA insists Neymar 'has to' join him at Chelsea.

Centre-back Silva wants to re-unite with his Brazil team-mate and 'super friend' as PSG look to offload the strike legend.

Chelsea are the club being most strongly linked with Neymar, 30.

The ex-Barcelona superstar is tipped to depart French champions PSG despite 13 goals in 22 games during his injury-hit season.

And former PSG ace Silva, 37, told : "He has to go to Chelsea.

"If it happens, it will be for the best. He needs no comments. And on top of that, he's a super friend. 

"So far, I don’t know anything, but I hope it comes to fruition."

Silva spoke freely of his hopes when quizzed by journalists on holiday back in home-country city Recife.

And Chelsea's interest in Neymar comes 12 years after they tried to sign him from Santos.

But the Brazilian giants refused to sell, and renewed his contract.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

Instead he joined Barca in 2013 - later forming one of the world's greatest ever attacking trios with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Neymar switched to PSG for £198million four years later.

But the 119-cap hero seems to have lost some of his sparkle on and off the pitch amid talk he has never properly settled in France.

Now he could become the statement signing that new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is so keen on.

Chelsea are also linked with moves for fellow Brazilian Raphinha - having had a £55m bid for the Leeds star - and Man City star Raheem Sterling.

The Blues will put in an offer of £50m for the England man this week.