Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos reveals Manchester United approach

Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos has revealed that his club rejected an approach from Manchester United for his services.

The Brazilian international was subject to interest from the Premier League club during the January transfer window, but a move failed to materialise due to the Ligue 1 club's unwillingness to negotiate a deal.

Marquinhos has now admitted that he is only concentrating on football and takes the rejection from his current employers as a sign of their belief in him for the future. But has labeled it as "validating" to be courted by the 20-times English champions.

The former Roma player has still not established himself under Laurent Blanc and is currently behind Thiago Silva and David Luiz in the pecking order.

"I'm calm, concentrated. I leave all this to my agent," Marquinhos said, as quoted by Goal.

"Before, PSG refused to begin negotiations. They have shut the door. I see this as something to take confidence from."

"It proves PSG count on me but, to be honest, it gives me pleasure to see Manchester United are interested in me. It's validating," the Brazilian defender added.

Marquinhos, who is contracted to the club until the summer of 2018 has made 25 appearances in all competitions for PSG this season and Blanc believes that the 20-year-old defender has a big future at the club.

The manager has tipped him to emulate current club captain Thiago Silva, and made it clear that the French champions have no intention of letting the Brazilian defender leave Paris.

"We did everything to keep Marquinhos and extend his contract," Blanc said, as quoted by Goal.

"We have been showing him that he is very important and we are not ready to let him go. He is strong everywhere he plays and he is only 20."

"He is the third most-used player in the squad and people still say we don't use him enough. Having players like him is very significant for a coach," the Frenchman added.

"Can he become a monster like Thiago Silva? He has the potential to become a very good defender. He already is, but he still has room for improvement," Blanc explained.