West Ham United look set to sign Marseille defender Doria on loan after co-owner David Sullivan flew to France on transfer deadline day, according to talkSPORT.

Doria, 20, has had an underwhelming time under eccentric Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa and could be allowed to join the Hammers for the rest of the campaign.

The young Brazilian, once touted as one of the best defensive prospects in world football, would bolster an ailing backline of James Tomkins, Winston Reid and James Collins.

The former Botafogo man, once capped by Brazil, is looking to breathe new life into his career after becoming surplus to requirements at Marseille.

But French newspaper La Provence claimed the Hammers were set to miss out on signing the defender.