Roma are reportedly on the verge of signing Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen, with only a fee needing to be agreed.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, a deal has been agreed between Roma and Vermaelen, which will see the Belgian earn €3m a year, while Barca have accepted the Giallorossi’s proposal of a loan plus an obligatory-purchase option.
However, Roma’s offer of €2m for the loan and €8m for the purchase option have been deemed insufficient by the Catalans, who are holding out for a €12m permanent transfer.
Vermaelen has seen very little action at Barca due to injuries and the consistent form of first-choice centre-backs Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano, and his place has been further threatened by Samuel Umtiti’s recent arrival.
