Liverpool, West Ham United to bring Thomas Vermaelen back to England?

Liverpool and West Ham United are reportedly interested in making a move for Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen this summer.

The former Arsenal captain moved to Camp Nou in a £15m, five-year deal in 2014 but has since made just 11 appearances for the La Liga champions over two injury-blighted years.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, manager Luis Enrique has now sanctioned the sale of the 30-year-old, despite having already seen Vermaelen’s fellow centre-back Marc Bartra depart for Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Vermaelen is thought to prefer a move to Slaven Bilic‘s Hammers, who will play in next season’s Europa League, although there has not yet been any contact between the two clubs over the transfer.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, has already signed Joel Matip but is in the market for another centre-back and a striker this summer.