The Premiership club agreed to buy the player from Uruguayan side National Montevideo at the start of last season but he was unable to obtain a work permit for Britain.

The 24-year-old subsequently went to Malaga on loan and has now been granted a Spanish passport, which means he is free to ply his trade anywhere in the European Union, including Britain.

Silva started his professional career in Chile with Santiago Wanderers before making his name in Europe at Spanish side Racing Santander.