Liverpool have made the first offer for Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen, but West Ham are ready to enter the race for his signature also, according to Sport.
The former Arsenal defender has been blighted by injuries in his two years at Camp Nou, with the Catalan side expected to let the Belgium international leave the club this summer.
This has sparked a Premier League scramble for his services and it looks likely that Vermaelen could well be on his way back to English football.
The latest report suggests that the Reds have made an offer to Barcelona to get the ball rolling on a transfer, but West Ham are determined to match the Merseysiders’ offer and bring him to London.
Although a new striker appears to be the priority for West Ham in the summer, a commanding centre-half such as Vermaelen would give Slaven Bilic a welcome extra option at the heart of his rearguard.
