West Ham are leading the race to sign Barcelona defender Marlon this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish media outlet reveals that the Hammers have already contacted Barca over the 22-year-old, who is on a two-year loan deal to Ligue 1 side Nice, with a view to bringing him to the London Stadium.
West Ham’s defence was the worst in the Premier League last season with 68 goals conceded.
Manuel Pellegrini will be looking to make improvements to that record and the Brazilian could go some of the way to repairing that.
After James Collins was informed he would not be getting a new contract at the club, it spells a need for new arrivals all the more.
Marlon has made three appearances for the La Liga giants and 27 for Nice.
Good move for West Ham?
The defender has settled well in Nice and prior to that move, at parent club Barcelona, he was given snippets of opportunities to show what he can do and he did not let them down.
The experience he has gained in the French top-flight will set him in good stead for the Premier League but at 5ft 9in (transfermarkt), there are doubts over whether he has the physical prowess needed at the heart of defence.
Marlon may not possess the strength needed and whether he is someone that could come in and instantly strum up a partnership alongside Declan Rice that will not just reinforce the defence but massively improve it, is questionable.
This is Futbol verdict: 6/10
Likely to happen?
According to the Spanish report, talks have already begun between the two parties and the Hammers are leading the race so it is looking as though the groundwork has already been laid to acquire the player.
He would be a typical West Ham signing, as in not too much is known about him and there are a lot of questionmarks over his ability.
We think it is a position that needs strengthening and there has already been movement to advance the talks so we can see this one coming off.
This is Futbol verdict: 7/10