Manchester United have pulled out of talks for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen over swap demands. The London Evening Standard says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed yesterday that he would need to sign a replacement if Vermaelen were to depart and it is believed that he asked United to include Chris Smalling as part of any deal.
United rejected that suggestion and have ceased negotiations, leaving Barcelona out in front in the race to land Vermaelen.
The Belgian international is open to moving to La Liga but would ideally like to stay in England, especially as his prospects of regular first-team football are considerably greater at Old Trafford than they are at the Camp Nou.
