West Ham and Liverpool interested in signing former Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen as Belgian eyes fresh start abroad
BARCELONA defender has sights set on return to Premier League this summer after failing to impress at Nou Camp
LIVERPOOL and West Ham have been given a boost with Thomas Vermaelen reportedly eyeing a Premier League return.
The former Arsenal star is currently on the books at Barcelona but looks set to leave after making just 11 La Liga appearances in two seasons.
Luis Enrique is on the look-out for new centre-backs this summer, and Spanish daily Sport claims Vermaelen will be allowed to leave the Nou Camp.
Marc Bartra has already sealed a move to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, but Vermaelen is reportedly keen on a move back to England after spending five seasons with Arsene Wenger.
Liverpool and West Ham are both said to be monitoring the Belgian, with Slaven Bilic’s side allegedly favourites to sign him.
The report adds there’s been no contact with Barcelona over a potential transfer yet, although Vermaelen apparently favours the Hammers over Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
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Bilic is looking for quality players with experience to join him at the Olympic Stadium next season, and versatile Vermaelen would be right up his street.
The West Ham boss is also preparing to move for Lyon’s Nabil Fekir, although he will be required to cough up at least £20million.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s top priority is a world-class striker to lead the line at Anfield.
Klopp has been far from impressed with crock Daniel Sturridge and the inconsistent Christian Benteke, and has his sights set on a £30m move for Southampton’s Sadio Mane.
Klopp is also interested in signing Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain after he was spotted with the player’s brother and agent during Argentina’s 2-1 Copa America win over Chile.
However, fresh reports claim Klopp could instead move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani, who – like Vermaelen – is keen on a Premier League switch.