West Ham United are reportedly leading the race to seal an impressive first signing of Manuel Pellegrini’s tenure.
West Ham wanted to go in a different direction this summer and have shelled out more than ever before on a manager to bring Pellegrini in as David Moyes’ replacement.
Hammers co-owner David Gold has pledged the club will be spending more than ever before too, in an effort to finally make good on promises made when the club left Upton Park for the London Stadium in Stratford.
Supporters hope Pellegrini can attract a higher calibre of player when he reshapes the Hammers squad this summer.
And according to the likes of The Sun, West Ham are close to making Barcelona defender Marlon Santos their first signing of the Chilean’s tenure.
According to The Sun, the Hammers have been in contact with the Catalan side after the Brazilian defender impressed during a superb loan spell with Nice last season.
And Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona are now waiting to receive a formal offer from Pellegrini.
West Ham fans may be unfamiliar with Marlon, but they will be hugely excited once they see this YouTube highlights reel of the defender in action as his game bears a striking resemblance to former Hammers hero Rio Ferdinand.
In the video above, Santos looks ridiculously comfortable on the ball, exhibits very good passing ability and like Rio enjoys carrying the ball out from the back.
But he knows how to defend too, with the video highlighting his excellent positional sense, pace and reading of the game, three areas of Ferdinand’s game which set him apart from other defenders.
With James Collins having left the club West Ham will be looking to a new centre back and Marlon looks like he will certainly be an upgrade.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
