Barcelona president Sandro Rosell admitted his interest in Paris Saint Germain defender Thiago Silva, while confirming Victor Valdes is set to stay at the Camp Nou and see out the final year of his contract.

Silva was a prime target for Barcelona last season, before PSG blew them out of the water with a huge bid, which AC Milan found impossible to refuse.

Barca, after sealing the signing of Neymar, are in the market for a central defender and Thiago is again thought to be one of the leading candidates.

Rosell hinted at a possible move, but revealed the player's salary could pose a problem.

"We never say never, but it would be difficult to negotiate," he told reporters. "I think it would be very difficult.

"We have not contacted PSG because the player's wages are very high. We can afford it (the salary), but it could upset the dressing room."

Two players expected to leave Barcelona this summer are Valdes and David Villa, but Rosell confirmed Valdes would definitely stay another year, while a decision on Villa, who has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Tottenham, would be taken by the club.

"Victor's agent told (sporting director) Andoni Zubizarreta that Valdes would stay to the end of his contract, which we are pleased about.

"His contract ends next summer though and our technical team will be on the lookout for a replacement.

"With Villa, he remains at the club too unless we say otherwise."

Meanwhile, Rosell has insisted Lionel Messi is innocent after the Argentine wonder became embroiled in a tax issue in Spain, with the authorities claiming the Barcelona forward had evaded taxes worth up to €4 million (£3.3 million, $5.1 million).

"Messi's family is quite calm, as is the club," Rosell said. "They have all our support. I have no doubts whatsoever of his innocence."