Barcelona have edged closer to signing Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos, with talks intensifying between the two clubs.
The La Liga winners have made an offer of £40 million for the centre-back, with Luis Enrique concerned about the prospect of losing Javier Mascherano, as reported by Sport.
Marquinhos- who had an average pass accuracy of 93% in Ligue 1 this season- is Barcelona’s top transfer target this summer.
Mascherano has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp, and, if the Argentine does depart, a new signing would surely be needed, with neither Jeremy Mathieu or Thomas Vermaelen seen as viable long-term options.
Marquinhos has also been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, but Barcelona are favourites to sign the 22-year-old, who has been capped by Brazil on nine occasions.
Barcelona may also seek to make additional signings this summer, particularly in attack, where they are light of options to provide back-up to the stellar attacking triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. A new right- back may also be targeted to replace the departing Dani Alves.
Luis Enrique guided his side to the La Liga title this season, but they suffered an early exit in Europe and require greater squad depth if they are to regain the Champions League next campaign.
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