Mark Lawrenson names 'top' Chelsea player who Man Utd should sign

Erik ten Hag has been urged to bring in Thiago Silva this summer (Picture: Getty)

Mark Lawrenson believes ‘top’ Chelsea defender Thiago Silva would be a ‘good signing’ for Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

Silva is set to leave Chelsea at the end of the season when his contract expires following four years at Stamford Bridge and could be snapped up as a free agent.

The 39-year-old centre-back is still more than capable of playing at the highest level, according to Lawrenson, and it makes sense for him to go to Old Trafford.

Liverpool legend Lawrenson has told Erik ten Hag that it would be best to use Silva in a back three and has hailed his ability to play the ball out from the back.

‘I could see Thiago Silva going to another Premier League team in the summer,’ Lawrenson told Paddy Power.

‘The only thing is that he needs to play in a back three. There are teams who play in a three and he’s shown that he can still play.

‘I think there will be lots of Premier League teams who will be looking at him, even if it’s just for one year with an opportunity to extend, if he’s still good enough.

Brazilian veteran Thiago Silva could be snapped up as a free agent (Picture: Getty)

‘I could possibly see him going to Old Trafford in the summer, and you’d know that he would be a good signing for him as long as he can stay fit.

‘He’s been a top player but also he looks fit, and can play the ball out from the back comfortably, which is something that Manchester United haven’t had from their central defenders this season.’

Former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf feels the time is right for Silva to leave Stamford Bridge and wants the club to focus on developing younger talent.

‘It is time for him to leave and time for us all to say thank you to him,’ Leboeuf said.

‘I had my time, Marcel Desailly had his time and so did John Terry, there is an end for everyone.

‘The young defenders at the club have proven that they are ready to play.’

Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis

Sign upPrivacy PolicyThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Never miss a beat throughout the season or transfer window with weekly Chelsea news updates, exclusives and analysis. Sign up to Metro.co.uk’s Club Metro newsletter