Chelsea and Barcelona on transfer notice as Marquinhos looks to leave Paris Saint-Germain

Chelsea have been given a boost to their hopes of securing Marquinhos, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the Brazil centre-back is looking to leave Paris Saint-Germain after becoming increasingly frustrated with his second-tier role at the club. The Blues may have to battle with Barcelona for the player's signature, however, with the Catalan giants also after a top-line central defender.

Sky Sports previously reported that the reigning Premier League champions made two separate bids, the latter believed to be as high as £40.4m ($62.5m), on transfer deadline day for Marquinhos after Everton refused to let John Stones. The Daily Mirror now claims that the Blues will again make an approach for both defenders during the January transfer window as Jose Mourinho looks to tackle the problems that have besieged his backline in the start of the campaign.

Mundo Deportivo believes Marquinhos could be an option for Mourinho, as the centre-back has grown tired with his lack of playing time in Ligue 1. The 21-year-old has made only four starts this season – none coming in the Champions League – as Laurent Blanc sees David Luiz and Thiago Silva as his first-choice defensive pairing.

Former PSG defender Alex recently urged Marquinhos to force a move away from the club to ensure his development is not stunted by a lack of pitch time.

"Marquinhos would fit in at any big European club, his problem is that two of the best players in the world in his position are ahead of him," Alex said, according to ESPN. "If I was in his place I would leave PSG – especially when all the big clubs want him. During every transfer window, he gets magnificent offers. He's young and should be playing to show his worth."

Mundo Deportivo claims that Marquinhos is ready to follow his compatriot's, but Chelsea's pursuit of the player could well be derailed by an approach from Barcelona. The same publication reported recently that the Catalans are monitoring a number of young centre-backs, including Stones and Marquinhos, as well as Aymeric Laporte and Jose Jimenez.

However, Barcelona are believed to be keener on making a move for a new, young defender in next summer's mercato, which could leave the door open for Marquinhos.