West Ham are in pole position to sign Marlon from Barcelona B this summer.
Marlon Santos da Silva Barbosa, known as Marlon, joined Barcelona B on loan from Fluminese in the summer of 2016. Later that year, he made his debut for the Barcelona first team, whilst they were managed by the now Chelsea target Luis Enrique.
Having joined Barcelona on a permanent deal last summer, the 22-year-old was not included in the plans for the 2017-18 season so he joined OGC Nice on a two-year loan deal.
Since joining the French side, the Brazilian’s form has attracted the interest of several clubs from the Prem, including West Ham and Leicester City.
The Hammers have already approached Barcelona and Nice to express their interest in signing the centre-back this summer. West Ham may have to compete with Leicester City who may feel they have the upper hand with the player given Claude Puel’s Nice connection.
Despite this it is reported in Spain that West Ham are the favourites to sign the centre-back as Pellegrini looks to add to his squad ready for the next season. Barcelona are yet to receive a “formal offer” from the east London club.
