Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen bound for Lazio?

Barcelona have reportedly decided to cut their losses where defender Thomas Vermaelen is concerned.

The Belgian arrived at Camp Nou from Arsenal for £15m in the summer of 2014, but injuries have limited the 30-year-old to just 12 appearances in all competitions since then.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Barca have now put Vermaelen up for sale, which has alerted Lazio.

The report adds that head coach Stefano Pioli has identified the ex-Gunner as the ideal player to ease his side's defensive problems, with 26 goals having been conceded from just 17 Serie A outings this term.

It is believed that Barca will demand a fee in the region of £4.4m for the centre-back.