Marquinhos linked with summer switch to Barca amid contract talks.
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring the contract situation surrounding Roma defender Marquinhos, and are prepared to swoop should they fail to agree terms.
The 18-year-old Brazilian has previously been linked with the Catalans, who have expressed an interest in acquiring his services throughout the season, as reported by Marca last month.
The youngster had an impressive break-out season in Italy this past year, and as a result has attracted interest from several top clubs around Europe.
However, despite both the player and the Giallorossi denying speculation that they will split this summer, it hasn’t stopped rumours from linking him with a move to Spain.
Reports in Italy suggested that the two parties have a preliminary agreement to an improved contract, however it was later denied by the club and the Brazilian’s representatives.
Nevertheless, it is believed that they are keen to agree on new terms, with Roma hopeful of avoiding losing one of their most prized assets and the player himself has previously stated his desire to remain in the Eternal City.
The Serie A outfit signed the defender from Corinthians last summer, and after a stand-out season which saw him break into the first-team alongside compatriot Leandro Castan, there have been calls from players both past and present that he be included in the senior Brazil national squad.
Whether his immediate future will see him remain in the Italian capital remains to be seen, but initial reports suggest that Barcelona will have to bid anything up to .€25m to tempt the Italian giants into entertaining the thought of selling.
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