Manchester United aim to outbid Barcelona for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen. The Daily Mail says United are prepared to stump up £15million to beat Barcelona to the signature of Vermaelen.
Manager Louis van Gaal is anxious for more signings following the club's return from their pre-season tour in America and wants to close deals for Vermaelen and Ajax wing back Daley Blind before his Premier League bow against Swansea City on August 16.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward accepts he will have to pay a premium price for Vermaelen however because Arsenal would prefer to see him go to La Liga than play for one of their Premier League rivals.
