Newcastle United 'want loan deal for Marlon Santos'

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in bringing Barcelona defender Marlon Santos to Tyneside on a season-long loan deal.

The Magpies, who have had a turbulent summer off the pitch, have nonetheless acquired five players, including strikers Yoshinori Muto and Salomon Rondon.

Rafael Benitez's side are yet to bring in a new defender, but according to Spanish publication Sport, Newcastle will sign 22-year-old Marlon on a loan deal worth £1.8m.

The source says that while the Magpies want a permanent transfer for the defender, Barca are unwilling to allow the centre-back to leave in any such deal.

Marlon, who spent last season on loan at Nice, has impressed so far for the Spanish champions in pre-season.