Roma Reject City Bid For Marquinhos

According to Daily Mail, Roma have rejected £5m offer from Manchester City for their highly-rated defender Marcos Aoas Correa, commonly known as Marquinhos.

The 18-year-old Brazilian is widely regarded as a Serie A star of the future, and has also courted attention from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Capped at U17 international level, Marquinhos has been identified by Citizens boss Roberto Mancini as a player that he wants to be bought.

The centre-back moved to Italy last season after impressing in his first few outings for Corinthians back in his homeland, and has quickly established
himself alongside former team-mate Leandro Castan as first choice for the Giallorossi.

His impressive performances for Zdenek Zeman's side have now attracted interest from a host of top European clubs, with Manchester City reportedly the first to make a tentative enquiry about Marquinhos's availability.

A transfer to the Premier League for Marquinhos would be the latest in a growing list of South American stars moving to England, with Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta amongst the contingent currently playing at the Etihad Stadium.

However, Roma will hope to keep hold of the talented teenager, as they bid to stave off interest from Marquinhos's suitors, and keep him at the Stadio Olimpico.