Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen is ready to return to England this summer.

The former Arsenal captain is off contract at the end of the season and will be allowed to leave by Barca.

HLN says Vermaelen is keen to return to the Premier League, where he has fielded interest for the past 18 months.

Southampton and Watford have made past enquiries and are expected to try again this summer.

Now 33, the big doubt for interested clubs will be Vermaelen's injury record, though he has been free of major problems this season.