West Ham are emerging as favourites to sign Barcelona defender Marlon Santos.

The Brazilian spent this season on-loan in France with Nice and is now a summer target for the Hammers.

Mundo Deportivo says despite English media sources claiming interest from Leicester City, Barca insiders insist West Ham are now close to signing Marlon.

Barca and West Ham are currently thrashing out terms over a permanent deal for the 22 year-old.

Indeed, negotiations are now at an advanced stage, with Marlon having played 27 games for Nice this past season.