Chelsea decide against new contract for key defender

Chelsea have decided against renewing the contract of defender Thiago Silva beyond the current campaign.

The Blues have endured another difficult Premier League season and they are currently 11th in the standings.

The club look set to miss out on Champions League football again which is a huge blow for such a huge team.

This is likely to pave the way for changes in the summer and The Guardian claim that Silva will be released.

The Brazilian has been a vital figure at the heart of the club's defence and he has produced stand-out displays.

However, his influence in the line-up has reduced over recent months and he has started to show a decline.

Silva recently said that he has yet to make a decision over his future, but the Blues seem to have made theirs.

The club are prepared to part ways with Silva when his contract formally concludes at the end of the season.

Chelsea plan to sign another marquee centre-back this summer.