West Ham United have reportedly emerged as frontrunners for the signature of Barcelona defender Marlon Santos.

The 22-year-old has spent the past year on loan at Nice and is contracted to stay with the Ligue 1 outfit for the 2018-19 campaign too, but Barcelona are understood to want to sell the Brazilian on a permanent basis.

Marlon initially joined Barcelona in another loan deal in 2016, but manager Ernesto Valverde is not thought to regard the centre-back in his long-term plans for the club.

Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that West Ham are interested in signing Marlon this summer, with new manager Manuel Pellegrini planning a significant overhaul of the squad at the London Stadium.

However, West Ham are expected to face competition from Premier League rivals Leicester City, who have also been credited with an interest in the Brazilian.

Marlon made 27 appearances across all competitions for Nice this season, including 25 as a starter.