Report: PSG Set To Confirm Signing of Barca Target Marquinhos

FC Barcelona's search for a new central defender has stretched on throughout this transfer window, and shows no sign of ending any time soon as Paris Saint-Germain reportedly close in on AS Roma defender Marquinhos. French media outlet, RMC Sport are claiming that the Brazilian centre-half is travelling to Paris to finalise a deal that could be worth as much as €35 million, €32 million of which are rumoured to be "upfront", while the other €3 million would likely be dependent on Marquinhos and PSG reaching certain targets.

This move comes just a day after Paris Saint-Germain unveiled the signing of Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani, and mere hours after the club secured the future of highly-rated LOSC Lille left-back, Lucas Digne.

While Barcelona never made an offer for the Roma defender, Andoni Zubizarreta confessed that Marquinhos is an "interesting" player in a press conference yesterday morning; although neither Zubizarreta nor Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova ruled out another attempt at signing Paris Saint-Germain captain, Thiago Silva. While PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was adamant that Silva will remain in Paris for the rest of his contract, one has to wonder whether signing Marquinhos could at least soften PSG's stance on their 28 year-old captain.

Or perhaps the most likely scenario is that Barcelona will have to turn their attentions elsewhere; possibly to Chelsea centre-half David Luiz -- although signing Luiz would likely be just as, if not more difficult than signing Silva. However, with over six weeks remaining in the transfer window, there's still plenty of time for Barcelona to find the right man for the job.

More from Barca Blaugranes:

• FC Barcelona News: 17 July 2013; Vilanova, Zubizarreta Hold Press Conference, Barça B Win First Preseason Game
• Nasser Al-Khelaifi: PSG Are Targeting Some Barcelona Players
• Differences In the Regions of Spain Through Football: Introduction
• FC Barcelona News: 16 July 2013; Sergio Busquets Extends Contract, Rafinha Leaves on Loan to Celta Vigo
• FC Barcelona: It's Time To Move On From Pep Guardiola