Liverpool and Besiktas are still in the race to sign Barcelona’s out-of-favour defender Thomas Vermaelen.

TalkSport have reported that both clubs have held early talks with the Belgium international who has struggled since joining from Arsenal two seasons ago.

The report goes onto state that Besiktas are set to offer a season-long loan offer while Liverpool are preparing £12 million bids for the 30-year-old defender.

The daily Turkish sports paper Fanatik have also reported that Besiktas have already held early talks with the Barcelona over the transfer of Vermaelen.

Barcelona are understood to be looking to offload the defender following a string of injuries which have kept him out of the first team over the past two years.

Vermaelen moved to Barcelona from Arsenal for £15m back in 2014, but has struggled to make an impact since joining. The former Arsenal man has struggled with injuries and has made just 11 La Liga appearances during his time at the Nou Camp.

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