Watford FC news: Hornets planning summer swoop for Barcelona defender and former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen

Watford are planning a summer swoop for former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen.

The Belgium international is currently enduring a miserable time at Barcelona and has spent this season on loan at Roma.

The centre-back has failed to establish himself at the Italian side too and they have opted against signing him this summer.

But, according to Spanish newspaper Sport, Watford are prepared to swoop for Vermaelen when the transfer window opens.

Barcelona are reportedly willing to let the 31-year-old leave on loan again in the hope he can eventually secure a permanent move.

Vermaelen has plenty of experience of playing in England having previously spent five seasons at Arsenal.