Manchester United Transfer News: Adnan Januzaj Rumours Spark Marquinhos Talk

Manchester United starlet Adnan Januzaj could be used as a makeweight in Louis van Gaal’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain man Marquinhos, with reports suggesting that the Dutchman will look to add to his defensive options in the summer.

According to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News, the 20-year-old could see his first-team opportunities limited further beyond the current campaign. As such, United may be tempted to offer him to PSG as part of a deal for the young Brazilian defender.

It’s also claimed that Everton are keen on Januzaj, and the Belgian could be used to help United secure Seamus Coleman.

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Here’s a look at why Marquinhos has apparently been cited as the man to bring some class to the heart of this Red Devils defence:

It’s difficult to argue with the notion that the crop of players currently available to Van Gaal is offensively loaded. The club invested heavily in attacking options in the summer and subsequently it’s easy to see why Januzaj is struggling for minutes and why other areas of the team need to be addressed.

Clive Mason/Getty Images

As noted by the player himself, the systems that have been deployed by the manager—which rarely contain orthodox wingers—make it difficult for him to force his way into the team.

"The system really can make it more difficult for me to play there, but I have to keep working,” said Januzaj, per Robson’s piece. “That is what I am doing in training every day, as I want to get more games this season.”

Michael Regan/Getty Images

However, as noted by OptaJoe, considering his age, the Belgium international has been involved a lot more than other young players at the club.

Nonetheless, if it's possible for United to acquire a quality player like Marquinhos by using Januzaj, it will certainly prove tempting for a club with a dearth of high-calibre defensive options. The Brazilian is a player who could be at the heart of a prosperous Red Devils back line for years and years.

Acquiring that kind of talent in exchange for a player seemingly surplus to requirements seems a logical step.

Lionel Cironneau/Associated Press

Marquinhos himself is finding things frustrating in Paris after falling behind David Luiz in the centre-back pecking order. Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez thinks the former Roma man is paying the price for making a decision based on money over minutes.

There’s undeniable quality there when it comes to Marquinhos, and if United could pull off a transfer, it would be a major coup for them. However, everyone at the club should be very hesitant about making Januzaj a critical part of any potential deal.

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Jonathan Fadugba of FourFourTwo thinks that if they do write off the talent of the precocious Belgian, then they could be left to rue their errors. Just as they are doing this season given the mercurial rise of former United man Paul Pogba:

A club that is as flush and alluring as the Red Devils shouldn’t have to cash in on their best young players anyway. Januzaj has indisputable ability, and in recent weeks, there have already been small inclinations from Van Gaal that he is willing to give the Belgian more first-team opportunities in the second half of the season.

With United looking poised to secure Champions League football next season, the added game load will surely see the youngster play much more of a key role. Letting him walk away would be a naive decision by the club’s hierarchy.

The Old Trafford faithful should be looking forward to seeing Marquinhos flourish alongside a prodigious young talent like Januzaj, not instead of him.