On Wednesday afternoon, Catalan newspaper Sport published an article which made it sound like Newcastle United are on the verge of signing Marlon from Barcelona.
The Brazilian central defender spent last season on loan at Nice as part of what was supposed to be a two year deal. Barca cut the loan short because they felt they were on the verge of agreeing a sale to the Premier League.
West Ham were pushed forward as a near certain destination at one point, and then Southampton, but it felt like Barca were perhaps being a little too greedy on asking price, and then lost their chance for a deal.
Then it was reported by Mundo Deportivo that Newcastle were only one of several options, and Barca would prefer a permanent transfer.
Thursday’s edition of Marca states the Premier league club are in a ‘tug of war’ with Barcelona to try to convince them over a loan move rather than a permanent transfer.
As long as there’s no work permit barriers, there’s a reasonable chance of Barca giving in and Rafael Benitez getting his man.
