Barcelona defender Marlon has said he was told by Mario Balotelli to join Sassuolo amid reports the Nice striker could be set to join him at the Serie A club before the Italian transfer deadline on Friday.
Marlon, 22, has arrived in Italy to undergo a medical ahead of a reported €6 million transfer and said he had discussed the move with Balotelli, who he played with at Nice last season.
"I'm delighted to be here," the defender told Sky Sport Italia upon arriving at Milan's Malpensa airport. "I spoke with Balotelli and he told me great things about Sassuolo and he advised me to come here."
Marlon follows Kevin-Prince Boateng and Manuel Locatelli to the ambitious club, who played in the Europa League two seasons ago and are aiming for a successful season under their new coach Roberto De Zerbi.
"I received many offers, but Sassuolo are the club who wanted me more than anybody else," Marlon added.