Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is confident sought-after defender Thiago Silva will remain at the club next season.

The Brazil international has been linked with a move away from the San Siro, with top European clubs including Manchester City and Chelsea reportedly keen to acquire the 27-year-old’s services.

“I am convinced that Thiago Silva will stay,” Allegri said yesterday.

“He is the strongest defender in Europe and to lose him would be terrible for us. But I am convinced that after the Olympics he will return to Milanello.

“I think (club administrator Adriano) Galliani has been very clear with respect to what the club’s intentions are. Milan do not want to see him leave.

“Club president Silvio Berlusconi wants to see Milan remain at the highest level and he will do everything to keep Thiago at Milan.”

Silva, who is under contract with the Rossoneri until June 2016, is also a reported target for Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris St Germain, according to FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti.

“The top four of five clubs on the planet are interested in Silva because he is the top defender in the world,” Bronzetti said.

“Jose Mourinho really likes him but Real’s interest is not as strong as that of Barcelona.

“Besides the two Spanish clubs, you also have Paris SG, Chelsea and Manchester City that right now can invest in the market. I think Silva’s value is between 40 and 50 million euros.”

Silva joined Milan in 2009 from Fluminense after previous unsuccessful spells in Europe with Porto and Dynamo Moscow.

He made 27 league appearances for Milan in the 2011/12 season.