Man City join Real Madrid in January transfer race for PSG star Marquinhos as they look to fix dodgy defence
MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly joined Real Madrid in the race for Paris Saint-Germain star Marquinhos.
Le 10 Sport claims Pep Guardiola has thrown his hat in the ring for the Brazilian centre-back after watching his defence suffer this season.
The two-time Premier League title winner opted against replacing Vincent Kompany when the Belgian departed for Anderlecht.
And Guardiola was quickly left to rue his decision after star man Aymeric Laporte suffered a long-term injury early in the season.
It has forced the Spaniard to use one of his best midfielders, Fernandinho, as an emergency centre-back.
John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have also shown they are not up to the standard required to be a first-choice defender at the Etihad.
And it’s now reckoned Guardiola wants Brazil international Marquinhos to become his next big-money signing.
The former Roma ace, 25, is in his seventh season at PSG and is regarded as one of the world’s best in his position.
Marquinhos has an incredible five Ligue 1 titles to his name, as well as four French Cups, five League Cups and five Champions Trophies.
However, it’s reckoned he is thinking about quitting the French capital in search of a new challenge.
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And City could be right up Marquinhos’ street as they look to claw back Liverpool in the race for the title.
But Guardiola faces a huge threat in Real Madrid, who are on the hunt for Sergio Ramos’ successor.
The Spaniards are joint-top of La Liga with Barcelona and Marquinhos could prefer a move to the Bernabeu.