United in pole position to land Vermaelen

Manchester United remain confident of completing a deal to sign Thomas Vermaelen this summer, despite interest from Barcelona.

United are yet to agree a deal to sign
the centre-back with Arsenal, but Goal
understands the Old Trafford club have
maintained their interest despite having enquiries regarding a £6m bid knocked back.

Vermaelen is understood to be keen
to leave Arsenal this summer, but Arsene Wenger wants to sign
a replacement for the defender before they sanction his sale.

And Barca could yet complicate the deal after rekindling their long-standing. Interest in the former Ajax man, who has 12 months remaining on his current
Arsenal contract.

The Catalan club recently completed the €20m [£15.8m] signing of Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia, but are looking to bring in another defender this summer.
New United manager Louis van Gaal identified Vermaelen as a summer transfer target long before arriving at Old Trafford in July, and is eager for the club to push through a deal to sign the Belgium International.

Gunners boss Wenger has admitted Vermaelen, who has found himself behind first choice centre-back pairing Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny at
Arsenal, could leave this summer.

“I cannot guarantee [that he will stay],” Wenger told reporters during pre-season. “But, should he go, I would
bring another centre-back in for sure.”{GOAL}