Barcelona 'confident of beating Manchester United to Thomas Vermaelen'

Barcelona are reportedly confident that they will seal the signature of Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, despite Manchester United's interest in the Belgian.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed yesterday that United are among the clubs pursuing Vermaelen.

The Red Devils are said to be hunting for defensive options following the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand at the end of last season.

However, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has claimed that Barcelona are "convinced" that Vermaelen will play at Camp Nou this season after falling down the pecking order at the Emirates.

Balague wrote on Twitter: "Barcelona convinced everything done 4 Vermaelen 2 be under Luis Enrique's orders very soon. They r sure 2 have beaten Utd for his signature."

United are rumoured to have made a bid in the region of £10m for the 28-year-old defender.