According to Italian news site Gazzetta dello Sport, West Ham have joined the race for Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen.
The Belgian has just returned from international duty in France where he made five appearances. The Belgian now at Barcelona has had two tough seasons in Spain, due to injuries and other better defenders Vermaelen has been restricted to 11 appearances for the Catalan side.
After being one of the best defenders in the Premier League it is understood that Vermaelen is not happy with his role in the squad and is looking for a move away.
The Spanish giants have also recently confirmed the signing of Samuel Umtiti who will be another to rise above Vermaelen in the pecking order.
Many teams are interested in signing Vermaelen. The likes of Liverpool and Inter Milan are vowing for his signature however they may not want to spend €12m on Vermaelen.
After recently selling James Tomkins for £10m to Crystal Palace, Vermaelen is well-within West Ham’s price-range and if Inter and Liverpool drop out the Hammers will be in pole position to sign the 30-year-old.
