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Southampton ambitiously linked with Thomas Vermaelen

By Luke Dennis

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - JUNE 05: Thomas Vermaelen of Belgium in action during the International Friendly match between Belgium and Czech Republic at Stade Roi Baudouis on June 5, 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - JUNE 05: Thomas Vermaelen of Belgium in action during the International Friendly match between Belgium and Czech Republic at Stade Roi Baudouis on June 5, 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen has been strongly linked with a return to the Premier League, with Southampton, among others, interested.

The 31-year-old has struggled for form and fitness in Spain, and failed to make an impression whilst on loan at Roma last season. Barcelona are now willing to listen to offers.

Southampton were linked with the Belgian international last summer, and are once again expected to make a bid, with fellow Premier League side Watford also in contention for the centre-back’s signature.

Vermaelen has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, particularly since his move to Barcelona in 2014, making just 21 appearances for the Catalan side.

New Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde does not see the ex-Arsenal skipper as part of his plans, and will be looking to ship him off the wage bill at the club.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 15: Thomas Vermaelen of FC Barcelona looks on during a training session ahead of their UEFA Champions Leage round of 16 second leg match against Arsenal FC at Ciutat Esportiva on March 15, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 15: Thomas Vermaelen of FC Barcelona looks on during a training session ahead of their UEFA Champions Leage round of 16 second leg match against Arsenal FC at Ciutat Esportiva on March 15, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

A defensive recruitment at Southampton is more than necessary, with target Nathan Ake joining Bournemouth for £20 million sooner rather than later.

Should Virgil van Dijk move on, Vermaelen could be the ideal replacement for the Dutchman, with valuable experience under his belt.

Vermaelen’s wages could cause a problem in negotiations, and he could be forced to take a significant cut to get a move back to the Premier League.

He still possesses fine leadership qualities, and will improve a young Southampton squad who want to be challenging for the European places.

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