Barça's main requirement is to strengthen the defensive areas of the team this summer and that quest has been given a major boost after target Marquinhos expressed his desire to join the club.

Joaquim Piera

The 22-year-old has met with Paris Saint-Germain owner, Naseer Al-Khelaifi, and personally explained that he believes that his time at the Parc des Princes has come to an end.

Moreover, SPORT has been told that at this meeting Marquinhos pushed for the Qatari - who responded with skepticism - to sit down and negotiate with the Blaugrana over the next few months, given the Catalan club is his preferred destination.

After three failed attempts in recent summers to depart and too many games sat on the bench or playing an unnatural position, the central defender has decided to step forward and make his feelings known.

Marquinhos' age is proving a risk for Barça to fully commit to, although the club aren't going to let that stand in their way. As reported by SPORT, the Blaugrana defined an agreement with the player's agents, Giuliano Bertolucci and Kia Joorabchian, during the Champions League final in Milan on May 28.

If Barça decides to negotiate now they aren't likely to be engaged in a bidding war with Chelsea, Manchester City or United for the player's signature.

The club will contact PSG in the coming days to continue negotiations.