Crystal Palace boss Frank De Boer eyeing move for Barcelona’s ex-Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen
New Eagles manager keen to offer injury-plagued ace an escape route back to the Premier League
FORMER Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen could be set for a return to the Premier League with Crystal Palace.
The Belgian defender has endured a miserable time at Barcelona since leaving London for the Nou Camp in 2014.
Vermaelen has missed 65 games through injury, including 17 while on loan at Roma last season.
But that has not stopped new Eagles boss Frank De Boer from preparing to offer him an escape route from Barca, according to the .
Vermaelen still has two years left on his contract with the La Liga giants.
But the Spaniards are prepared to let him leave and his representatives have indicated a return to the England is his preferred option.
De Boer is determined to strengthen his backline at Selhurst Park.
He remains keen on bringing Mamadou Sakho back to Palace permanently following a hugely successful loan spell last season.
However, Liverpool’s £30million asking price is putting him off lodging a bid.
Therefore, a move for Vermaelen would offer De Boer a much cheaper alternative.
Although his record of just 18 starts in the last four seasons mean he would be a considerable risk.
The experienced star has won 58 caps for his country and previously played for Ajax before joining Arsene Wenger’s side in 2009.