Thomas Vermaelen close to signing for Roma as clubs negotiate deal
Thomas Vermaelen is close to signing for Roma. The Italian side have entered the final phase of negotiations with Barcelona and think they could seal a deal this week.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the clubs have agreed the format of the operation - a loan for a season with an obligatory purchase clause at the end of the season. However, they have not agreed on a price.
The Italian source says Roma are offering 2m euros for the loan with 8m more to follow when they buy him. However, Barcelona are asking for 2m + 12m - an extra 4m.
The Catalan club are conscious that Vermaelen is Luciano Spalletti's preferred option. However, the sporting director, Walter Sabatini, is not keen on spending up to 14m on a 30 year old player.
In any case, Roma and the player are said to have come to an agreement. Vermaelen has agreed a three-year deal with 3m a season, including bonus, as a salary.
