According to reports from Mundo Deportivo this morning, frustrated PSG defender Marquinhos has instructed his agent to ‘evaluate the market’.
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 – back then a world-record fee for a teenager.
But the 21 year-old has struggled to hold down a consistent role in the French champions’ starting Xi over countrymen Thiago Silva and David Luiz and is reportedly growing frustrated with his lack of game time. This season he’s made just four Ligue 1 starts out of a possible nine.
Chelsea and Manchester United are both long-term admirers of the 6 foot defender, with both believed to have made offers around the £33million mark during the last two transfer windows. Reports from earlier this month claim the Blues are ready to launch an improved bid in January, in the hope Marquinhos can help arrest the abysmal start to their Premier League title defence.
So Mundo Deportivo’s claims will be a significant boost to the transfer efforts of both clubs, alleging Marquinhos has now instructed his agent to ‘evaluate the market’ ahead of the coming transfer window after becoming disillusioned with life on the PSG bench.
However, the Premier League duo now face formidable competition for the South American’s signature from fellow admirers and European champions Barcelona. Luis Enrique’s desire to enhance his defensive options with a long-term prospect has also seen Everton’s John Stones linked with a Nou Camp move in recent weeks.