AC Milan are expected to close a deal for Fluminense defender Thiago Silva.

Despite competition from Inter, Chelsea and Villarreal, Brazilian sources say Milan have clinched an agreement for Thiago, who will move to the San Siro at the end of the season.

Milan will sign the Brazil defender immediately and loan him to Flu for six months from January 1 ahead of welcoming him to Italy for next season.

The Rossoneri will cough up around £8 million for Thiago, with Flu taking him back without having to pay a loan fee.