Watford reach agreement to sign Thomas Vermaelen in January

Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen is set for a Premier League return after his deal with Barcelona expires at the end of the season.

The former Arsenal ace is not expected to sign a contract extension with the Camp Nou outfit and has already opened negotiations with interested sides over a summer switch away from Spain.

Vermaelen does not feature in Ernesto Valverde’s plans and it is believed that the likes of Southampton and Watford have been identified as two possible destinations for the experienced defender.

The latest reports coming from the Turkish media outlet Fotomac are claiming that Hornets have reached an agreement in principle to sign the Belgium international who will be available ona cut-price deal in January. Barcelona would be willing to let Vermaelen leave for as little as £4 million this winter, rather than losing him for nothing next summer.

Vermaelen is desperate for a return to England hoping to reignite his career at the age of 31 and after an injury-laden Barcelona stint.