Schalke are hoping to strengthen their squad with the acquisition of Barcelona defender Marlon, Sport claims.

The 22-year-old centre-back has featured regularly for Blaugrana during pre-season but the Catalan club are willing to cash in on him.

Marlon spent last term on loan at Nice and has recently been the subject of a €12million bid from Serie A outfit Sassuolo, but Schalke are thought to have more cash available at their disposal to land the Brazilian.

He could be the latest defender to leave the club after duo Yerry Mina and Lucas Digne joined Everton.