Leicester City to move for Barcelona defender Marlon Santos?

Leicester City have shown an interest in signing £18m-rated defender Marlon Santos from Barcelona, according to a report.

The 22-year-old has spent the season on loan with French club Nice, who have the option to sign him when the deal expires next year.

Leicester have watched the centre-back up close in recent weeks, though, and The Sun claims that they are now tempted to step in and make a bid of their own halfway through his Allianz Riviera loan stint.

City would be willing to match the sum that Nice have agreed to pay Barca, while also offering to award the former Brazil Under-20s international increased wages.

However, complications over a work permit could prove problematic for Leicester, who have already brought in Porto star Ricardo Pereira this summer.