Manchester United Transfer News: Marquinhos Bid Expected, New Sadio Mane Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly ready to beat Chelsea in the pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos.

According to French outlet Le 10 Sport (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express), the Red Devils will make an offer for the Brazilian centre-back during the current transfer window.

“The Brazilian is understood to be keen on a move away from PSG after struggling for game time due to the partnership of Thiago Silva and David Luiz,” wrote Cambridge.

Chelsea, who are enduring a very difficult season, also have their interest noted, but the report suggested United are more likely to land the youngster at this point. Here’s why that should be a cause for excitement for those at Old Trafford:

Since signing for PSG from Roma in 2013, Marquinhos has been used sparingly by the French champions. With the aforementioned pair nailing down spots in the starting XI, Laurent Blanc has rotated the Brazilian in and out of the side and regularly used him at full-back. This season, the 21-year-old has started just seven of his side’s 19 Ligue 1 matches.

United could do with some extra quality at the back. As noted by Bleacher Report’s Rob Blanchette, while the Red Devils do have a strong first-choice centre-back pairing, there’s little in terms of strength in depth:

PSG will not be willing to let the defender leave easily, though. While he’s not currently starting on a regular basis for the Ligue 1 giants, Marquinhos will have surely been given assurances about his long-term position at the club.

In a gruelling campaign, with PSG challenging on many fronts, he’ll likely get plenty of opportunities before the season is over.

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United do require some extra class in defence, and if Marquinhos were to move to Old Trafford, he’d be a wonderful partner for the ever-improving Chris Smalling. But it seems fanciful to think a club such as PSG would let him leave, especially midway through the season.

Manchester United to Move for Sadio Mane

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According to Kevin Palmer of the Irish Independent, Manchester United will move for Sadio Mane in January despite Southampton’s unwillingness to sell the winger.

“If that is to transpire, the player could help to push through a potential deal by confirming he is ready to leave,” said Palmer, suggesting the Red Devils may be willing to part with £20 million to sign the Senegal international.

According to Palmer, the Red Devils “leaked to the media” they were keen on doing a deal for the 23-year-old in the summer too.

As we can see here, courtesy of WhoScored.com, it seems as though Premier League opponents are beginning to cotton on to just how dangerous Mane can be:

United have been one-dimensional in attack this season. So while a player such as Mane may be frustrating at times, he could add an unpredictable edge to the Red Devils’ attacking play that has been lacking as of late. 

Southampton won’t entertain the prospect of a sale in January, though. While they’ve been willing to move key players on for the right price in recent years, they do the bulk of their business in the summer window.

A price of £20 million may well be fair for Mane, but the Saints would struggle to bring in a capable replacement midseason.