West Ham not sure if £17.5m target Marlon Santos can hack it in England

Manuel Pellegrini wants to strengthen his new side’s leaky defence and West Ham have made contact with Barça about Santos, who impressed on loan at Nice last season. Yet while reports in Spain have suggested the centre-back is on the verge of moving to the London Stadium for £17.5m (€20m), it is understood that West Ham are worried about the 22-year-old Brazilian’s physique.

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The east London club are pondering whether it would be a gamble to sign Santos, who is 5ft 11in, and senior officials have denied lodging a bid. They have not ruled out a move for the former Fluminese defender but have other targets, including Genoa’s Armando Izzo and Fulham’s Ryan Fredericks, who is yet to commit to a new deal.

West Ham finished last season with the joint-worst defensive record in the Premier League, conceding 68 goals, and have released James Collins. Reece Oxford is interested in a move to Borussia Mönchengladbach and Sam Byram could be allowed to leave.

Pellegrini is also targeting attacking reinforcements after replacing David Moyes as manager and West Ham are interested in another loan deal for Internazionale’s João Mário. The Portuguese midfielder spent the second half of last season at West Ham and caught the eye, scoring twice in 14 appearances. However, Inter rate him at £26m and could press for a permanent deal.

West Ham, who are close to appointing Málaga’s Mario Husillos as their head of recruitment, will resist any attempt by Manchester United to sign Marko Arnautovic. However, they would be willing to listen to the right offer for Michail Antonio, who has attracted interest from Crystal Palace.