According to reports from The Express this morning, Chelsea are ready to launch an improved bid for PSG centre-back Marquinhos when the transfer window reopens in January.
The Brazil international is widely regarded as one of the most exciting defensive prospects in world football, having been purchased by the Ligue 1 champions for a whopping €31.4million in summer 2013.
But the 21 year-old has struggled to hold down a consistent role in the French champions’ starting Xi, managing just 50 appearances out of a possible 89 since his lucrative arrival and often finding himself at right-back to make room for countrymen Thiago Silva and David Luis at the heart of defence.
Chelsea allegedly saw a £33.1million bid rejected for Marquinhos on deadline day whilst Manchester United have been linked with the 6 foot defender for some time.
They’re believed to have made a similar offer in January and were reportedly ‘put on alert‘ last month amid rumours of Marquinhos’ apparent disillusionment at Parc de Princes. Having failed to sign a star-studded centre-half during the summer, he’s believed to still be on the Old Trafford radar.
According to The Express, however, Chelsea are now determined to sign the seven-cap international following the dismal start to their Premier League title defence. The Blues are currently in 16th place with the second worst goals conceded record in the division.
The British newspaper, citing French publication Le10 Sport, claim Chelsea are ready to make an improved offer in the new year. Whether Manchester United will decide to match it, however, remains to be seen.
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