West Ham set to sign Barcelona defender Marlon in £14million deal
The 22-year-old Brazilian will NOT be joining Nice for a second season on loan
West Ham are set to sign Brazilian defender Marlon from Barcelona, after it was confirmed he will not be joining Nice.
The 22-year-old was due to spend a second season on loan with the French club this term, but Nice have now announced that deal is over.
And the decision is expected to pave the way for his move to West Ham, with the Hammers reportedly closing in on a £14million deal for the defender.
Nice released a short statement on Thursday to announce the Marlon would not serve under new head coach Patrick Vieira.
"In agreement with Barcelona, the Brazilian who was loaned to Nice last summer will not wear the Nice colours in 2018-19. He now returns to the Catalan club,"; the statement on ogcnice.com read.
Earlier this week, West Ham confirmed the appointment of director of football Mario Husillos, who links up once again with new Irons boss Manuel Pellegrini.
The London Stadium outfit are keen to put together a squad which can move on from last season's battles at the wrong end of the Premier League table.
Lazio midfielder Felipe Anderson is another reported target, with sources in Italy claiming a deal of around £27m is close for the 25-year-old Brazilian winger.
Pellegrini, who was confirmed as David Moyes' replacement last month, will take charge of his first West Ham game in the Premier League opener against Liverpool at Anfield.