Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos has revealed Manchester United wanted to sign him last summer.
Marquinhos, 20, arrived at PSG in 2013 tipped as a future great, and the Brazil international defender has confirmed his potential with increasingly assured displays for the Ligue 1 champions.
The youngster signed a five-year deal at the Parc des Princes following his estimated 31.4 million euro switch from Roma, but has repeatedly been linked to United, and the Premier League outfit tried to tempt PSG into letting him go last summer, according to Marquinhos himself.
"Yes, Manchester wanted me. Barca too," the former Corinthians defender told TF1. "They just talked, but PSG didn't give them any hope. That gives me confidence. The president is very happy with my work. The coach, too."
RMC reported United were undeterred by PSG's initial rejection, and have again made an approach to their French counterparts about Marquinhos.
Though a centre-back by trade and used as back-up to the first-choice pairing of Thiago Silva and David Luiz, Marquinhos has successfully switched to right-back in recent weeks to cover due to injuries to Gregory van der Wiel and Serge Aurier.
His performances have led to reports PSG are considering offering him a two-year contract extension, and Marquinhos would welcome such a move.
He added: "If that happens, it'll be very good. I'm happy here. I'm really settled. But we have to leave that up to the president and the board to see what they are going to say."