Inter Milan defender Matias Silvestre 'expected to join Sampdoria'

Sampdoria sporting director Carlo Osti has claimed that the club is close to signing Inter Milan defender Matias Silvestre.

The 30-year-old made 29 appearances for the Blucerchiati while on loan at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris last season.

Osti hopes that the potential arrival of Silvestre can help the team to tighten up their defence.

"We're working to bring Silvestre back to Samp," Osti told Samp TV. "He had a great time here with us and we hope to bring him back in the next few days.

"The squad needs to be completed. We're missing something at the back and we're working to sort out the defence. Our commitments begin early this year, while the market only closes on August 31. We need to balance these two aspects."

Silvestre joined Inter Milan from Palermo in 2012 but has struggled for regular action at the San Siro.