Vermaelen linked with Premier League return

Catalan daily newspaper Sport has suggested that Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen could be moving back to England this summer.

The 30-year-old has struggled for playing time since joining the Catalans from Arsenal, making mere 11 La Liga appearances as he battled numerous injuries.

And with coach Luis Enrique looking to shake up his defensive options, Vermaelen is being heavily linked with a summer exit.

Sport claims that the likes of Benfica, West Ham and Liverpool are all showing interest in the Belgium international, although Barcelona have yet to receive official offers for his services.

Thomas Vermaelen enjoyed several very successful years with Arsenal, making a total of 90 Premier League for the Gunners, scoring 13 goals in the process.

With a number of first team defenders picking up injuries of late, the experienced centre-back is expected to start Belgium’s opening Euro 2016 fixture vs Italy, where the Red Devils are 8/5 to claim maximum points.