Marquinhos Transfer Rumours: Latest News and Speculation on PSG Star

Manchester United have reportedly "opened talks" with Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a £30 million move for centre-back Marquinhos.

Le 10 Sport (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro) is the source behind such rumours. Marquinhos is one of the best young defenders in Europe and could significantly aid the defensive efforts of Louis van Gaal's side.

Sanderson believes Marquinhos "could push for the switch" after falling behind David Luiz in the lineup. Laurent Blanc regularly opts to start Luiz alongside the immovable Thiago Silva, limiting Marquinhos' playing time in a team that currently occupies Ligue 1's fourth spot.

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Marquinhos has only started 15 games across all competitions this season, scoring one goal in the domestic division, per WhoScored. He averages 1.7 tackles, 2.5 interceptions and four clearances each match while also posting a pass accuracy of 92.7 percent for the campaign.

Van Gaal needs ball-playing defenders in his back three. United's current centre-backs—namely Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans—don't have the composure to confidently keep things moving for the Old Trafford club.

Daley Blind brought quality to United's distribution from the back during the defeat to Southampton, but questions remain over his suitability to be a central defender. Blind isn't the most mobile and is better suited to playing at left wing-back, where his terrific eye for a pass can begin attacking moves from deep.

Marquinhos is tall, well built and has a decent turn of pace. He is also an intelligent reader of the ball when he concentrates, as highlighted below:

B/R Ligue 1 specialist Andrew Gibney believes, "If Blanc wants to save PSG's season, he needs to involve Marquinhos as much as possible." There's certainly a case for the ex-Roma youngster to receive greater responsibility in the French capital, something Van Gaal may be willing to offer in Manchester.

Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC questions the validity of such a link, however:

United supporters will undoubtedly be craving new defensive additions right now. Despite possessing the fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League—only Chelsea, Manchester City and Southampton have conceded fewer—sloppy mistakes continue to limit the club's progress.

This was highlighted against Saints, where Smalling was drawn out of position to allow Dusan Tadic a simple chance to secure the win. Marquinhos is yet to truly deliver on his potential at PSG, but there's no doubt this is a player who should propel himself to elite status in the coming years.

Van Gaal is the kind of boss who would spot this, and indeed, spend a wedge getting him to the club.