Manchester United Transfer News: United Face Battle for Marquinhos, Top Rumours

Manchester United reportedly face a battle with Premier League rivals Arsenal to try and sign Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Marquinhos this summer. But the pair may have already lost out to La Liga giants Barcelona.

Marquinhos is apparently unhappy with his status in PSG manager Laurent Blanc's current squad, according to the Daily Mirror's Simon Mullock, but the 21-year-old won't come cheap:

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The Brazilian international was angry at being left on the bench as Laurent Blanc’s team drew 2-2 with City in the Champions League in midweek and has made it clear that he will assess his future in the summer.

United and Arsenal have both been monitoring the 21-year-old’s frustration in Paris, while Barcelona also have an interest after Marquinhos voiced his anger at also being played out of position.

Marquinhos cost £25million three years ago and PSG will look to make a significant profit.

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Marquinhos' agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, wasn't shy about lamenting his client's omission from midweek UEFA Champions League action. He made that clear to French publication L'Equipe (h/t ESPN FC's Mark Rodden): "Was Marquinhos disappointed? It's PSG who should be disappointed after such a result. I would rather not talk about it now—I'm still too annoyed for that."

Francois Mori/Associated Press

Bertolucci also explained how he will explore his client's future in the French capital once PSG's Champions League campaign concludes.

But that future may already be settled, according to Goal.com's Loic Tanzi, Ignasi Oliva and Bruno Andrade, who claim the versatile South American has agreed to join Barcelona, once his current club resolves negotiations: "Goal understands the centre-back has approved an annual salary of around €4.5 million, as well as a signing-on fee worth €3 million, after talks between the club and player held in Madrid."

United and Arsenal had better hope Marquinhos is still in play.

There's no doubt both clubs could use some fresh talent at the back ahead of next season. United have been fairly stingy in England's top flight, conceding just 27 goals, per the Premier League's official site. But regular centre-back pairing Chris Smalling and Daley Blind can still be caught out, with the latter far from physically imposing.

Marquinhos' ability to play right-back, where he's most often been deployed by Blanc, may also appeal to United gaffer Louis van Gaal. It's a position of some concern in the United squad, and Marquinhos certainly has the talent to fill it.

As for the Gunners, their need for more imposing defenders was emphasised by Andy Carroll's hat-trick in the recent 3-3 draw with West Ham United, per BBC Sport's Phil Cartwright. Towering No. 9 Carroll simply bullied flimsy centre-back partnership Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel.

Arsenal may struggle to compete with the cash United could offer Marquinhos. But equally, the Red Devils will have a hard time convincing the player to join if they fail to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Van Gaal's squad is currently fifth in the Premier League, four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and six shy of Arsenal in third.

How the table looks come the end of the season will have a big say in any Marquinhos sweepstakes.

Michael Carrick Headed Into the Unknown

Veteran holding midfielder Michael Carrick still doesn't know where he'll be playing next season. The 34-year-old hasn't received an update from United, per the Daily Mirror's Steve Stammers, who also noted how both Premier League teams and "cash-rich clubs in China" will show interest should Carrick become available this summer.

If United opt against re-signing Carrick, Arsenal could be one of the interestied parties that makes a move. Back in February, John Richardson of the Daily Express reported how Gunners chief Arsene Wenger is a "confirmed admirer" of the deep-lying playmaker.

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Earlier that month, Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Mirror stated Wenger will make a fourth attempt to acquire Carrick if he leaves United.

The England man has been a great servant for the Red Devils, winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy since joining in 2006. While his pace and agility are long gone, Carrick is still as crafty a passer as there is in the European game.

His steady influence and smart distribution from the base of midfield would be valuable to any club. Yet United are currently pretty well-stocked at this position with Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Still, United's reluctance to declare emphatically they are ready to move on from Carrick might indicate the former West Ham man still has a future at Old Trafford.

While Carrick would help United maintain strong depth at a key position, the squad needs more than just quality cover in defence. If there's a chance to land a player as gifted as Marquinhos, the Old Trafford club should invest heavily to make it happen.