Newcastle United are racing to sign defender Marlon from Barcelona before the transfer window for Premier League sides to make signings shuts at 5pm.
The Magpies have been in talks to land the Brazilian, who spent last season on loan in France with Ligue 1 club Nice.
Rafael Benitez's side are hoping to get the deal over the line before the 5pm deadline, according to BBC Newcastle, but will need to obtain a work permit for the player.
It remains to be seen if that could scupper Newcastle's swoop for Marlon.
The Brazilian centre-back moved to Barcelona in 2016, initially on loan, from Fluminense.
Marlon has not been capped by Brazil at international level and has only been capped by the country's Under-20s.
Such factors could count against him in a work permit hearing, but the Magpies are likely to be confident of the defender being given a permit.
Newcastle boss Benitez is desperate for reinforcements to be added to his squad before the window shuts.
