On Friday afternoon, it was revealed by Spanish news outlet Sport that Southampton had agreed a deal to sign Barcelona defender Marlon Santos.
The report indicated that Saints had pipped West Ham to the signing of the Brazilian central defender, who spent the duration of last season on loan at Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.
These claims have since been backed up by leading Spanish source Marca, who confirm that Southampton are closing in on the signing of Marlon.
Saints’ defensive woes have been well documented for some time now and following the departure of Virgil van Dijk in the January transfer window, it seems efforts are being made to strengthen the back-line.
Marlon, 22, is reportedly in line to join Southampton in a deal worth €12 million – a sum double the price that Barcelona paid Fluminense for his signature two years ago.
The centre-back joined Nice on a two-year loan deal but this was cut short by Barca as they are reportedly aiming to move the player on for a substantial transfer fee.
It seems Marlon’s destination has been decided, with Southampton ready and waiting for his arrival.
