West Ham United have reportedly edged closer to a move for Barcelona defender Marlon Santos on a five-year contract.
The 22-year-old Brazilian joined the Catalan giants from Fluminense in 2016, but only made three first-team appearances before joining Nice on a two year-long loan deal.
Santos made 27 appearances for the Ligue 1 club this season and is believed to have been monitored by Leicester City, while Nice are also thought to be keen on a permanent transfer.
According to Spain's Mundo Deportivo, however, the Hammers are closing in on capturing the centre-back for around £12m, with a deal potentially on the cards before the end of the week.
West Ham shipped 68 goals in the Premier League last season and new manager Manuel Pellegrini is believed to be targeting reinforcements at the back.
