Irons knock back imminent signing story

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.”