Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Thiago Maia and Marlon

Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Barcelona transfer target Thiago Maia, while Brazilian centre-back Marlon is expected to stay with the Catalans on a permanent deal.

According to ESPN FC (h/t Calciomercato's Lorenzo Bettoni), Liverpool are the latest team to be linked with star midfielder Maia, with the likes of Manchester United and Zenit Saint Petersburg also mentioned in the report.

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Per ESPN Brazil (h/t Goal's Tom Webber), Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona were all linked with the youngster after his fantastic showing during the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he played a key role in Brazil's run to the gold medal.

Selecao Brasileira expects the 19-year-old to leave current club Santos, explaining the team had already accepted an offer in the past:

Maia is a remarkable talent whose rise to the top of Brazilian football has been rapid. The midfielder originally started out as a pure holding option, but in less than two years of top-level football, he has added a wide array of abilities to his arsenal.

The Santos man is now seen as an elite box-to-box prospect, capable of distributing the ball, setting up attacks, helping out the defence and scoring goals if he has to.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

On a team featuring the likes of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Barbosa, Maia was arguably Brazil's best performer during the summer. It was an eye-opening showing, and there's little wonder so many top clubs have kept an eye on him ever since.

Liverpool already feature a strong group of Brazilian players, which could appeal to Maia. Things are no different in Barcelona, although the Catalans may opt not to deal with Santos following the Gabigol fiasco.

But Maia has already spoken of his love for PSG, and while he left the door open for other suitors, Les Parisiens are seen as the clear favourites to land him, per ESPN Brazil (h/t Webber):

"

I identify with PSG. Many players say they want to play for Real or Barcelona, but I identify with PSG. But that does not mean I'll go there.

Not yet [I have not had contact the club], but I hope it comes one day. As I said, I identify a lot, I have friends there.

Marquinhos told me about the structure of the club. You can see it in his smile that he's happy. If I go to PSG I will be very happy.

"

Elsewhere, it's reported Marlon will stay with Barcelona for the foreseeable future, as the Catalans are set to trigger their option on the centre-back.

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Per Globo (h/t Calciomercato), the 21-year-old is currently on loan at Barcelona B, making one appearance for the senior side. The Blaugrana have reportedly informed Fluminese they intend to trigger their buy clause in January.

The talented youngster has flashed his potential at times after impressing in pre-season, but he's still very raw and quite new to the position. He's not expected to be added to the Liga squad list for the second half of the campaign, giving him ample time to continue his development with Barcelona B.