West Ham United are in pole position to sign Barcelona centre-back Marlon Santos, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish outlet report that the 22-year-old ball-playing enforcer is attracting attention from several Premier League clubs after an impressive season on loan in Ligue 1 with Nice.
Mundo Deportivo claim that Barcelona are awaiting a formal offer from West Ham after the club moved to the front of the queue to sign the Brazilian defender.
Good move for West Ham?
It is no secret that the Hammers need to bring in defensive reinforcements this summer, with the club holding the joint league-worst defensive record in 2017/18.
On top of the confirmed departure of James Collins, it looks likely that Winston Reid will leave the London Stadium in the coming weeks, and that leaves two holes that need to be filled.
Marlon would be a good signing for the Hammers, although the Barcelona ace is still relatively untested and may find the transition to the Premier League tough.
However, there is no doubting his potential, and at just 22 years old, there is plenty of room for him to grow under Manuel Pellegrini.
Forever West Ham rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
According to the report, West Ham are in the best position to sign Marlon.
It sounds like an approach has been made as Barca await a formal offer from the Hammers, although that is not 100% clear.
We will have to wait and see whether this one materialises in the coming days, with Pellegrini sure to be settling in at the London Stadium.
Forever West Ham rating: 3/10
