Rio Ferdinand says Chelsea and Manchester United need to go for PSG’s Marquinhos if they want to sign a central defender, describing him as a big-game player.
The two Premier League teams are in the market for a new centre-back, with United reported to be in talks to sign Villarreal’s Pau Torres and Chelsea linked with Jules Kounde and Niklas Sule.
But Ferdinand says there is only one player they should be looking at to sign, identifying Marquinhos as one of the very best centre-backs in football.
‘If any team is in the market for a centre-back, right now, out of the top teams, with the finances, Marquinhos is the only place I’m going,’ Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five YouTube show.
‘Big-game player. Every big game you see that guy play he turns up. ‘Fit as you like, quick, robust, hardened, battle-hardened, understands the big-game environments. Top, top player, great attitude, leader, got it all.
‘If I’m looking for a centre-back of experience who can take me to the next level, he’s the one I’m going for.’
Ferdinand believes the blues are only missing a ‘top centre-half’ to challenge for the Premier League title next campaign, while he feels United should add some extra firepower.
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‘For the third season on the spin he’s got 30+ goal involvements,’ said Ferdinand when quizzed about Dortmund’s Sancho.
‘This is for a 21-year-old kid! ‘I don’t care where he’s playing, he’s in the Bundesliga, it’s ridiculous for anyone to be saying he shouldn’t be in the England squad.
‘The kid is the real deal and someone like Man United or whoever, one of the top teams, has to go out and get this boy because he brings the playground to the stadiums.’