Spanish giants FC Barcelona are looking to acquire the services of Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Marquinhos to strengthen their defence next season, according to news reports on Thursday.
According to Spanish-language newspaper AS, Barca turned to Marquinhos after they failed to sign Austrian David Alaba, who has renewed his contract with Bayern Munich until 2021.
The same paper noted that the Catalan club negotiated with the player, who informed club sporting director Robert Fernandez of his desire to play as a back instead of a defender.
According to recent reports, representatives from the Catalan club met with the young defender's agent last week, Giuliano Bertolucci and his brother, Luan Aoas Correa.
During this meeting, a deal worth 4.5 million euros ($5.02 million) a season was agreed.