Manchester United and Barcelona are reportedly battling it out to sign Roma defender Marquinhos in the summer.
The young Brazilian is said to have attracted interest from a number of top European clubs, following his rise to prominence since arriving from Corinthians in the summer of 2012.
Roma are believed to have already turned down a €25 million bid from Barcelona for the defender, according to Corriere dello Sport.
However, Sir Alex Ferguson and the La Liga giants are keeping tabs on the situation as they prepare to firm up their transfer plans, according to the Daily Express.
Marquinhos, who is also linked with Premier League champions Manchester City, is aware of the interest but has made it clear he is happy to stay with the Giallorossi for now.
The 18-year-old recently said: “Everything is happening very fast at the moment. I try not to look too far ahead.
“The interest from a number of important clubs? I am not thinking about a transfer. I owe Roma a lot for the chance they gave me.”
Marquinhos, who has clocked up 20 appearances for the Serie A side so far, has a contract at the Stadio Olimpico until the summer of 2017.
Source: Daily Express
