Vilanova confirms Thiago Silva interest

The Barcelona boss is looking at several candidates to bolster his side's back line but hinted that it would be difficult to bring the PSG star to Camp Nou
Tito Vilanova has confirmed he is looking to buy a centre-back during the summer transfer window, admitting he is looking at alternatives to prime target Thiago Silva.

The Paris Saint-Germain stopper confirmed his intention to see out his current deal at Parc des Princesdespite interest from Barcelona, while Roma youngster Marquinhos has also been linked with a switch to Camp Nou.

Although sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta denied any official bid had been made for Marquinhos, both he and Vilanova hinted at further interest in the 19-year-old as a move for Thiago Silva appears to be stalling.

"The intention is to find a centre-back. I would like him [Thiago Silva] to come, but I have not given just one name. We want to sign a centre-back," Vilanova told a press conference on Tuesday.

Zubizarreta added: "We do not usually say which player we want, negotiations are not retransmitted. We intend to have the best squad possible. It's not true there's an offer [for Marquinhos], but he's an interesting player."

Vilanova went on to voice his dismay and Barcelona's defensive injury misfortunes last season, and hinted at disappointment in the performances of Alex Song, who was frequently asked to slot into the back four in the absence of Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano.

"We already talked in November and February [about replacements]," he continued. "[Seydou] Keita left and Song had to come. We thought he could fill the gap and did not count on the possibility of having so many injuries and so much bad luck. We will bring in a central defender, for sure."

The scarcity of options at the back allowed Masia graduate Marc Bartra to stake his claim for further first-team action next season, and Vilanova encouraged the youngster to seize any more chances that come his way.

"He will have to win the spotlight. It is the players who earn their minutes," the 44-year-old added.

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