West Ham have tonight flatly denied various reports across Europe that they are about to do a deal for Barcelona defender Marlon Santos.
The Irons have been linked with the player for a couple of weeks now since The Sun somehow managed to create a link to the 23 year old after he has enjoyed a decent loan spell at Nice last season.
Having returned to Barcelona the rumour gained credence that the Hammers were seriously interested and today Catalan paper Mundo Deportivo, claimed a deal of between £15m – £18 million could be sorted out this week.
Other newspapers too – possibly picking up on it – reported the same but the reality is there are no talks, no bid and no interest.
The player commonly known as Marlon. is not among Manuel Pellegrini’s targets and we were told firmly: “Those reports are simply no true – there is no deal in view for the player.”
Phew that was close. He could get slaughtered in the air. Good on the ground though.
So let’s go an spend twice as much money on a centre half like Mawson who has no pace. I am absolutely fed up with the players the club are looking at – I am sure it is Sullivan – he is doing everything to get this club relegated. Please stay away from the Mawson. Crazy money for an average player. We need to be looking at players like this who can actually play.
Johnham perfect post mate mawson is basicly just a lump need a quality centre back and Marlon is very good technically you don’t be on Barca books for being crap . I’m sure pelle will get in a decent centre back and won’t be mawson and overpriced
Glad to hear they are denying it.Means there may be something in it.As mentioned above you do not get into Barcas squad if you are a mug.Prefer him to Mawson.
Have heard news that Mario Husillos has only been offered a scouting job and not director of recruitment that Pellegrini wanted?? Not his number 2 ? Pellegrini not happy !!! Any truth in this Hugh??????
If they’re not looking at Marlon then the other player with a strong link was Issa Diop who is 6’4″, pacey and good with his feet. Going for around the same price but i’m sure more will come out of the woodwork when Pellegrini links up with Husillos this week.
Diop looks a better deal to me . More suited to the English game. Fast, can pass, can tackle, can head the ball. Very strong physical presence and good enough technique. What more can anyone ask for?
Marlon looks like someone more suited to play in defensive midfield, where his readinfg of the game would be more useful, and his lack of heading would not notice so much.