West Ham to step up pursuit of Vermaelen

West Ham are set to make an offer for Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen.

Slaven Bilic is looking to bolster his squad ahead of the club's move to the Olympic Stadium, and has identified the Belgium international as a key target.

The 30-year-old's career has been blighted by injury, especially since he joined Barcelona from Arsenal back in 2014, and he has failed to establish himself in the Catalan's starting line-up.

The defender looks increasingly set to leave the Spanish champions this summer, but it won't be smooth sailing for the Hammers, with Serie A giants Roma also keen to make a move.