Manchester United have moved back in front of Barcelona in the chase to sign Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen, according to Sky Sports.

Barcelona looked to have taken pole position in the race to sign the 28-year-old Belgium international on Tuesday when they made a bid of £10million for the player.

However, Sky sources have revealed that Old Trafford is Vermaelen’s preferred destination and United will have no problem matching or beating Barca’s offer.

Vermaelen's future at Arsenal has been the subject of speculation all summer, with the centre-back entering the final year of his contract at the Emirates.

He is no longer first choice for the Gunners, with boss Arsene Wenger preferring the centre-back pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny last season.

Wenger also revealed last week he could not be certain Vermaelen would stay, as he could not guarantee the defender first-team football.

Vermaelen started just seven Premier League games last term and it seems the player is keen to move on, with United looking an ideal destination for him as new manager Louis van Gaal seeks to increase his defensive options.

 (SUPERSPORT)