Change of agent blamed for latest stall in negotiations between Chelsea and star defender

Chelsea took the first step towards avoiding a summer defensive crisis on Monday, as veteran defender Thiago Silva committed himself to the club for another year. 

The 37-year-old was one of four defenders at the club that were set to be out of contract in the summer, along with Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta, however he has signed a new deal that will take his stay with the club into a third season.

The former Paris Saint-Germain man was sensational once again on Sunday, as the Blues fought back to draw 2-2 with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Now, Chelsea’s focus will turn to keeping hold of the three remaining defenders who are due to be out of contract.

A deal for Rudiger is being worked on, although the defender has also recently begun talks with a number of European giants with a view to signing a pre-contract agreement ahead of a summer move.

Christensen, meanwhile, is arguably the most important to Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel due to his age.

At just 25-years-old, the Dane has stepped up this season from a squad member to one of the division’s most impressive defenders, and Chelsea will be desperate to keep hold of the academy graduate.

Now, however, talks over an extension have reportedly hit another snag, and the player’s change of agent is being blamed, according to Di Marzio.

The player was reportedly close to signing a four-year extension, but the deal fell through when the player changed agents and the two parties must now start from scratch.

The talks have also been hindered by new interest from Spanish giants Barcelona, who are reportedly targeting both Christensen and Azpilicueta.

Xavi, the boss of the La Liga side, is reportedly keen on adding the Danish international to his depleted squad in an effort to reinforce their backline ahead of a crucial second half of the season.

Christensen, who has played 13 times in the league so far this season, is an attractive prospect to Barcelona largely due to his availability without a transfer fee.