The Guardian claim that Manchester United could be preparing a £50 million move for Brazilian central defender and PSG starlet Marquinhos. The 22-year-old is known to be unhappy in Paris and has grown frustrated at his lack of first team football as he has failed to dislodge the central defensive pairing of David Luiz and Thiago Silva, similar to his current situation on the international stage. That has opened the doors to offers as the player returns from his Olympic efforts with his home country.
Whilst Marquinhos may have been identified as a long term target, it seems unlikely that he will be signed in this transfer window, simply due to the massive transfer fee that the Parisian club would demand for the Brazilian. With reports surfacing earlier this week that the club were reluctant to make £12 million available for a move for Jose Fonte, a £50 million bid for a player in the same position seems even more unlikely.
The news may not come as such a surprise after Claude Puel claimed that his captain and centre-back Jose Fonte will be staying at St Mary’s. Now, the Manchester Evening News report that United will not ask the 32-year-old to reconsider, and have now decided to turn their attentions elsewhere. That seems to have put an end to the Red Devils business for this window with no deals seemingly imminent, and Fonte decided to stay put.
With Eric Bailly already added in central defence and proving a huge success, Fonte was never going to be an important addition for United, instead only being a so called ‘suppplementary’ addition to add depth to Mourinho’s squad given the demands that the Europa League and any potential cup runs will have and implications on the club’s fixture list. Whilst he would have brought experience and leadership, it’s unlikely that there are many fans to be too downhearted by the news given that whilst his record is not exceptional, though it is reliable.
Another transfer target that the club has missed out on is Santos forward Gabigol, also known as Gabriel Barbosa. The forward delayed a decision on a £30 million move until after his spell in the Olympics had come to an end, and now he has a gold medal in his pocket, he is believed to have decided on a move to Inter Milan, say the Mirror. The forward was recently seen arriving in Milan and was mobbed by the press and Inter fans to welcome their new star.
For United, the news may not be as devastating as first thought. As clearly shown in yesterday’s late victory over Hull City, Marcus Rashford will have a role to play in the United first team this season, and this season could be pivotal for his development as a player. Had Gabigol arrived, it would have undoubtedly compromised that development and added even more competition for places in an already cramped front line.
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