Manchester United keen on PSG defender Marquinhos

Manchester United are refusing to give up in their attempts to prise Brazilian defender Marquinhos away from Paris Saint-Germain, despite the French club's reluctance to part with the player.

Marquinhos is a 20-year-old central defender who is among the most highly rated young talents in world football. He has enjoyed two impressive seasons for PSG since signing for the club in the summer of 2013 in a deal that is thought to have approached £30m when he was only 19 years of age.

United are believed to have made enquiries in the January transfer window but were knocked back in no uncertain terms by the Parisians.

United are looking to bolster their defence this summer. Nathaniel Clyne is a leading target at right back, while they will also seek to recruit two centre-halves of elite standing. Marquinhos is believed to be one of those being closely monitored by Louis van Gaal.

PSG view him as a long-term mainstay of their defence and the French club do not wish to sell the 20-year-old Brazilian but they are aware of growing and sustained interest from Old Trafford. PSG are also conscious that despite Marquinhos being Brazilian, he has a European passport, meaning that he does not take up a non-EU place in their squad. This only increases the player's value to the club as only four non-EU citizens are permitted in a squad in Ligue 1.

Marquinhos' agent has gone public in recent weeks to state that the defender is target for several of Europe's leading clubs, including United, but that could also be a ploy to force PSG into offering improved terms to the player. Reports in France suggest those talks are continuing with the French club.

Credit: Adam Crafton/SportsMail