West Ham closing in on £14m Barcelona star after Nice loan cut short

Nice have announced that defender Marlon will not be spending a second season on loan from Barcelona as planned, a decision which is expected to pave the way for his move to West Ham.

The 22-year-old Brazilian had been set to spend two campaigns with the Ligue 1 club.

However, amid reports West Ham are closing in on a £14million permanent deal, Nice released a short statement on Thursday to announce the defender would not serve under new head coach Patrick Vieira.

“In agreement with Barcelona, the Brazilian who was loaned to Nice last summer will not wear the Nice colours in 2018-19. He now returns to the Catalan club,” the statement on ogcnice.com read.

“In 2017-18, the 22-year-old defender participated in 23 Ligue 1 fixtures in the red and black shirt.”

Earlier this week, West Ham confirmed the appointment of director of football Mario Husillos, who links up once again with new Irons boss Manuel Pellegrini.

The London Stadium outfit are keen to put together a squad which can move on from last season’s battles at the wrong end of the Premier League table.

Lazio midfielder Felipe Anderson is another reported target, with sources in Italy claiming a deal of around £27m is close for the 25-year-old Brazilian winger.

Pellegrini, who was confirmed as David Moyes’ replacement last month, will take charge of his first West Ham game in the Premier League opener against Liverpool at Anfield.