Man Utd linked with Real Madrid target Marquez

Manchester United have been linked with AS Monaco centre-half Rafael Marquez.

The Mexico World Cup skipper is expected to leave his French club at the end of the season and is a top target for a string of Europe's elite.

Rated one of the best defenders in the game - and still only 23 - Marquez tops Real Madrid's wanted list, with sports chief Jorge Valdano having tracked the Mexican for over two years.

In yesterday's Spanish press, Manchester United were also linked with the stylish centre-half, who enjoyed a superb World Cup campaign this year.