Southampton and Watford could offer Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen a Premier League lifeline.
According to reports in Spain from Mundo Deportivo, both clubs have tracked him for some time.
The former Arsenal man is said to have accepted the fact he will leave the club soon, with his deal expiring at the end of the season.
Vermaelen knows he has no future at the Nou Camp after falling out of favour once again.
The Belgian defender worked his way back into Barcelona’s plans last season, with the La Liga side struggling with injuries which saw him enjoy a run of games in the side.
Vermaelen is out of contract at the club in the summer and will be hoping that he can attract plenty of interest by the end of the season.
At the age of 31, any move to sign the ex-Gunner would be considered a risk following the huge number of injury problems he himself has sustained over the years.
