West Ham are in the driving seat to sign Barcelona defender Marlon Santos and only the final details of the transfer need to be finalised, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish newspaper report in their Monday print edition that talks are ongoing between the clubs over what would be a permanent transfer of the centre-back, who spent last season on loan at Nice.
Mundo Deportivo report that a second Premier League side are in the running to land the Brazilian, 22, although the Hammers remain firmly in pole position.
Good move for West Ham?
Not really. West Ham need another centre-back, especially if they are to offload long-serving Winston Reid this summer, but Santos is not the answer. He lacks the physical attributes needed for a top-class defender in the Premier League. Sure, the Barcelona man is mobile enough, but he stands at only 5ft 11in and that is on the ‘titchy’ side for someone expected to dominate aerial challenges. West Ham are better off signing someone like Alfie Mawson to partner £23million new signing Issa Diop, who could be a sensation in the English top flight next season. A roster of Swansea man Mawson, Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Declan Rice would be ideal for new manager Manuel Pellegrini.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10
Likely to happen?
When it comes to transfers, the Spanish press are put in the shade by radio stations in the country, who are more reliable. Mundo Deportivo is a Catalan newspaper and claims to have the inside track on Barcelona transfers, but widespread reports in England have stated in recent weeks that the Hammers’ pursuit of Santos is off the table. Take this new report with a healthy dose of salt.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10