The 34-year-old has been linked with a £1.5million move away from Greek side Panathinaikos.
Fulham and Newcaste are among the clubs interested in the Brazilian midfielder.
A pal of Gilberto Silva told The Sun: “Gilberto and his family loved London and can see themselves settling down there after his retirement.
“He’d love to go back to the Premier League and Gerard Houllier at Villa may also get involved.”
