Long term Chelsea target Marquinhos has claimed that he is flattered by Manchester United’s interest in him.

The PSG defender has been linked with a move away from Paris over the last few months due to the lack of first team action.

“It’s a pleasure,” Marquinhos said on United’s reported interest. “It means that I work well”.

“Like everyone else, I always want to be a part of the starting line-up. But we all must respect the choices of the coach and management”, he added.

The Brazilian is below the likes of David Luiz and Thiago Silva in the pecking order and could make a move away in order to start regularly.

The former Roma centre-back was a prime defensive target for Chelsea under Jose Mourinho, but it seems that Premier League rivals Manchester United are more interested in him these days.

Chelsea are thought to be pursuing the Everton defender John Stones and are expected to submit another offer this month.

Manchester United’s interest in Marquinhos makes perfect sense.

The Old Trafford outfit have been solid at the back, but it is high time they signed a talented long term partner for Smalling. The likes of Jones and Rojo are injury prone and simply not up to the mark.

It will be interesting to see if United are encouraged by the defender’s comments and a formal bid is lodged anytime soon.