RUMOURS: Barcelona snap up defender Marlon

Barcelona have excercised their right to purchase Marlon Santos from Fluminense for €6 million, reports 'Globoesporte'.

The centre-back joined the Catalans on loan over the course of the summer, with a purchase clause included in the agreement.

And Barcelona have now moved to secure the future of the 21-year-old who made his debut for the club in November's 2-0 win over Celtic in the Champions League.

The sum Barcelona have to pay to Fluminense may een be less than the €6m, given the latter are said to have outstanding debts to the Camp Nou outfit.