Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos says he is trying to put reports of a move to Barcelona out of his mind as he focuses on Brazil’s Copa America Centenario campaign.
“I have my contract with PSG until 2019 but of course due to the interest from certain clubs you can see a lot of things in the media,” he told a news conference ahead of Brazil’s Group B game against Haiti on Tuesday.
“I am just focused on Copa America. My situation is under discussion but my focus is here,” he added.
Media reports in Spain have suggested Barcelona are ready with a big-money bid to prise the central defender away from the French champions but so far neither club has commented on the speculation.
Brazil were held to a goalless draw with Ecuador in their group B opener on Saturday. Peru lead the group after beating Haiti.
Marquinhos played in the centre of defence with Gil in that game and he is expected to start against Haiti.
After a number of call-ups where he was restricted to the bench, the centre-half is relishing his chance to feature for Dunga’s team.
“I’m here to prove myself,to take all the chances.When opportunities arise I want to take advantage of them,” he added.
“I got the trust from the coach. I know there are too many good players who could be here and for you to be here you have to prove yourself.
“Every day you need to deserve it, you need to follow your dream, you need to work hard and of course I’m always trying to improve and be better. And that’s why I am here,” he said.
The 22-year-old could also have a second chance at glory with Brazil this summer, given he has been given the all-clear to play in the Summer Olympics, where the hosts hope to finally get their hands on the football gold medal that has eluded them.
“I already have the approval to play in the Olympics. Everything has been discussed as I’m under the age for the Olympic games and so it can work.”
Sebastian Rode joins rivals Borussia Dortmund
Bayern Munich reserve midfielder Sebastian Rode joined rivals Borussia Dortmund on a four-year contract for a transfer fee of about 13 million euros ($15 million, £10 million) on Monday to become their fourth summer signing.
The 25-year-old, who never made the breakthrough at Bayern, will attempt to fill the boots of German international Ilkay Gundogan, who has moved to Manchester City.
Rode arrives at Dortmund after they swooped for France Under-21 winger Ousmane Dembele, Marc Bartra from Barcelona and Mikel Merino from Spanish side Osasuna.
“Since my childhood I have been a fan of Dortmund,” Rode said.
Dortmund, who were distant runners-up to Bayern in the season just gone, have lost two Germany stars after Mats Hummels’ departure to Bayern was followed by Gundogan joining City for a reported £21m euros.
Patrice Evra extends Juventus contract
Tireless France international left-back Patrice Evra has signed a one-season contract extension until June 2017 with a further one-year option clause included, the Italian champions said on Monday.
“For Pat this is the path to further success to add to the conquest of two league titles, as many Cups and an Italian Supercup,” a Juventus statement said.
Juventus explained that the former Manchester United stalwart’s class, experience and charisma were a huge boon for the club.
The 35-year-old former France captain has a reputation as an inspirational leader with a sense of both duty and fun.
He joined Juventus from Manchester United in 2014 and has played 69 times for them since.
At Euro 2016 Evra will also be a first choice starter as manager Didier Deschamps is the latest in a series of France coaches to put their trust in him.
Jose Peseiro reinstated as coach at Porto
Sacked by Porto last week Jose Peseiro was reinstated as coach at Sporting Braga on Monday when he signed a two-year deal with the side who finished fourth in Portugal this season.
The 56-year-old Peseiro was coach at Braga in the 2012-2013 season.
He was fired by Porto after finishing third in the league and without a trophy for three years after they were beaten in the Cup final by Paseiro’s new charges Braga.
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