Manchester United and Barcelona are fighting for the signature of Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen. 

Man Utd have had a £6 million bid rejected by the Gunners but they are keen to land the Belgian defender so they will improve their initial bid.

Barcelona are also interested in the 28-year-old as they need more defensive reinforcements.

The Catalan club signed Jeremy Mathieu last week but they still seek one more defensive acquisition after captain Carlos Puyol announced his retirement last season. 

The Arsenal stopper wants a move away from the Emirates after losing his regular spot in the team. His preferred move is to Man Utd but they might not be able to offer as much money as the Spanish giants.