Southampton, West Ham United chasing Marlon Santos?

Southampton and West Ham United are reportedly locked in a battle to sign Barcelona defender Marlon Santos.

The 22-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Nice, made 27 appearances for the Ligue 1 side in all competitions.

According to the Daily Mail, the Hammers have been knocked back with a £13m bid for the Brazilian, which has allowed Southampton to swoop in with a counter-offer of £11m.

The newspaper adds that the Saints, who are leading the chase for the player, hope to conclude a deal this weekend after holding talks in Barcelona on Thursday.

Santos, who joined the Spanish giants from Fluminense last summer, has two years left on his current deal.