Manchester United are desperate for defensive reinforcements this summer…
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Manchester United are preparing an improved £15m offer for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, according to reports in the Daily Mail, as they attempt to ward off interest from Barcelona.
The Mail believes that United 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 the 16th August.
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.
United are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements having seen long-serving duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic move on earlier this summer.
And, having seemingly missed out on Mats Hummels – who looks set to stay with Borussia Dortmund for the time being – Van Gaal has moved to wrap up a deal for the Gunners club captain.
If the United boss is to make good on his plans to use three central defenders as part of a 3-5-2 formation next season, a new centre-back is a necessity, with Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans the only names currently in the frame.