Brazilian centre-back Marquinhos has reportedly asked PSG’s president to allow him to leave Paris for a move to Barcelona.

Since moving to Paris in 2013 after a successful spell at Roma, Marquinhos has found it hard to break into PSG’s playing eleven as compatriots Thiago Silva and David Silva have formed an unbreakable centre-back partnership since 2014.

The 22-year-old was linked with a move to Chelsea and Barcelona in the January transfer window, while Manchester United were also reported to be interested in bringing him to Old Trafford in the summer.

Barcelona are looking to add some depth to their defensive ranks after the imminent departure of Dani Alves to Juventus. The Catalan giants have been linked to various players like Napoli’s Elseid Hysaj, Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta, Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin and Atletico Mineiro’s Douglas Santos.

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Marquinhos runs after the ball during the French L1 football match between Bordeaux and Paris (PSG) on May 11, 2016 at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux, southwestern France. AFP PHOTO / NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP / NICOLAS TUCAT (Photo credit should read NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP/Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian defender Marquinhos runs after the ball during the French L1 football match between Bordeaux and Paris (PSG) on May 11, 2016 at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux, southwestern France. AFP PHOTO / NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP / NICOLAS TUCAT (Photo credit should read NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP/Getty Images)

According to a report by SPORT, Marquinhos recently met with PSG’s president Naseer Al-Khelaifi and asked him to sanction a move to the Spanish side. This request was reportedly met with some ‘skepticism’ from the president and it is further stated that this meeting was ‘pushed’ for the 42-year-old to negotiate with Barcelona for a move.

Due to the the defender’s long spells on the sidelines and being played out of position on a number of occasions during the past three seasons, he is now requesting for a move away from the Parc des Princes.

Marquinhos has tallied 118 appearances for Les Parisiens over the course of three seasons. In the majority of these games, the Brazilian has featured only due to injuries and suspensions received by other players.

The 22-year-old is extremely versatile as he has been deployed as a fullback and a defensive midfielder by Laurent Blanc. At a relatively nascent age, he has won the Copa Libertadores, 3 Ligue 1 titles, 3 Coupe de la Ligue titles, 2 Coupe de France titles and the Trophee des Champions twice.

A move to Barcelona would suit the young Brazilian as the Catalan side are currently heavily reliant on the ageing duo of Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique. At 22, Marquinhos’ best years are ahead of him, his ability to play as a fullback could make him an automatic first choice at Barcelona.

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