Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marquinhos Rumours

Manchester United could miss out on two reported transfer targets, as Paris Saint-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted at a return to AC Milan, and team-mate Marquinhos seems set to stay in the French capital.

Ibrahimovic will become a free agent at the end of this season, and the veteran striker is expected to leave PSG during the summer. He’s been linked with United, as well as a host of other clubs, but in an interview with Gazzetta.it (h/t Metro’s Alex Taylor), he opened the door for a return to Milan:

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I have a good feeling with Milan, they are the greatest club in which I’ve played. I didn’t leave for my will. In the future we will see what will happen. I want to play but we will see where. Soon everything will be known.

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Thibault Camus/Associated Press

His agent Mino Raiola told GQ Magazine (h/t Football Italia) that there have already been talks with the Rossoneri, and as it stands, the 34-year-old seems likely to return to the Italian fashion capital.

Ibrahimovic played for Milan between 2010 and 2012, initially on loan from Barcelona before completing a permanent switch in 2011. He won the Serie A title during his first season, but the ageing Milan squad declined during the 2011-12 campaign, just as Juventus returned to the summit of Italian football.

The Sweden international and star defender Thiago Silva both moved to PSG during the summer, and the two have gone on to have great careers in Paris. Here’s a look at some of Ibrahimovic’s highlights:

Per WhoScored.com, Ibrahimovic has scored an incredible 35 goals and added 13 assists in Ligue 1 this season, as well as five goals and three assists in the UEFA Champions League. Despite his age, he’s clearly still remarkably effective in front of goal.

The veteran is slowly nearing the end of his career, and his next move will prove a vital one. He has never won the Champions League, and he could choose to sign a short-term deal with a top club in an attempt to add the Old Big Ears to his impressive trophy case.

A move to China or the MLS is also an option, but Ibrahimovic is still a star striker—he’s too good to give up on playing at the highest level and cashing in at this time.

Peolo Lazzeroni/Associated Press

And then there’s the emotional route, which Milan would present. The Rossoneri are nowhere near ready to contend for European silverware or even challenge for the Serie A title, but Ibrahimovic had some of his best years in Milan, and his admission he never wanted to leave the club is telling.

Per the Guardian’s Donald McRae, Ibrahimovic has long maintained that he will never play in the Premier League, making a move to United even less likely.

Meanwhile, team-mate Marquinhos is reportedly leaning toward an extended stay in Paris, as he’s been assured a starting position heading into next season, per Sport. Mundo Deportivo (h/t Liam Spence of Daily Express) previously claimed that the striker planned on leaving Les Parisiens.

Thibault Camus/Associated Press

Marquinhos’ future has been a topic for debate all season long, and the Brazilian only increased the speculation when he told reporters there would be time for “reflection” at the end of the campaign.

The 21-year-old split time with Silva and David Luiz in central defence, but the latter two were often the preferred option in the biggest matches. Per Sport, that has changed and so have Marquinhos’ plans:

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Marquinhos’ complaints have since had the desired effect. He has stopped being a substitute and has left his compatriot David Luiz on the bench instead. 

The centre-back has started five games in a row, including the second leg against Man City in England. His situation in the team has changed - and seemingly so have his plans for the future. 

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Here’s a look at some of his highlights:

PSG are expected to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of Marquinhos, and a move seems highly unlikely, unless the player asked for it himself. If his bigger role will keep him from doing that, then it’s hard to envision a scenario in which he moves to Old Trafford.

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