Report: Lucas Silva heading for Marseille loan

Marseille have reportedly won the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Lucas Silva on a season-long loan deal.

The 22-year-old joined Los Blancos from Cruzeiro in January and made nine appearances for the Spanish side in the second half of the 2014-15 campaign.

It is understood that the Brazilian is not part of Rafael Benitez's plans for the season ahead, however, which has led to talk of a temporary move.

A number of European clubs have been credited with an interest, but according to Marca, Marseille are close to announcing the signing of the defensive midfielder.

Marseille are currently managed by former Real Madrid midfielder Michel, who replaced Marcelo Bielsa after the first game of the new season.