Manchester City’s admiration of Thiago Silva’s talents has been no secret. The Premier League champions have repeatedly declared their admiration for the Brazilian centre-back and their desire to make him a City man. Yet this could all be about to change for a reason not usually considered a problem for Manchester City’s owners - the transfer fee.

As reported by the Metro, French free-spenders Paris St Germain had a bid worth €46 million rejected by AC Milan for the Brazilian, with President Berlusconi stressing that Silva is not for sale. Whilst City would not be usually be affected by such a dismissal of a transfer perhaps it would be sensible of Mancini and his backroom staff to reconfigure their view of Silva.

Whilst Silva is a phenomenal talent who has flourished in recent years in the black and red, as well as for his native Brazil, City can surely find much better value at the centre back position. Not only would Silva command an astronomical transfer fee but his reported wage of roughly €1m a month (roughly around £150,000 a week) would put a significant dent in City’s wage budget. European clubs, especially City, can literally not afford to throw around such numbers without consideration due to the strict UEFA Financial Fair Play rules now in operation.

Furthermore talent can be found elsewhere. Whilst it is undeniable that Silva would add to any back line, does that mean he is the only centre back around?

City only has to look as far as this European Championships to see the pedigree of Germany star Mats Hummels who has shone in the tournament. The 23 year old displayed his talents in Borussia Dortmund’s championship run this season and has continued to perform on an international level in Poland and the Ukraine.

The German has just signed a new contract with his club yet he still may be available for cheaper than Silva if City find the right price.

Another potential target would be another tournament participant, Javi Martinez. The Spaniard has not participated for his country thus far in the competition but the Athletic Bilbao centre back’s talents are undeniable. Admittedly he has a €40 million buyout but again if the price is right, Bilbao would be powerless to let the youngster go.

Yet with all this talk of adding to their centre-back position, one has to ask why? In their captain Vincent Kompany City had one of the best and most consistent central defenders in the Barclays Premier League this season, whilst Joleon Lescott has been a rock for England at the start of their European Championship campaign.

Although some depth at the position will always help, such signings would certainly require fees that would be too expensive for bench players. City may be best looking into their youth ranks or those of others to obtain the depth in squad their deeply desire.

Silva is a good player, but not €46 million good.

This is no slight on him but a simple analysis of the market. Good young centre-backs are in the ascendency throughout European and world football at the moment. City should do their homework before shopping this transfer window as otherwise it may lead to a rather expensive and in other means costly purchase.