Thomas Vermaelen is close to signing for Roma. The Italian side have entered the final phase of negotiations with Barcelona and think they could seal a deal this week.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the clubs have agreed the format of the operation - a loan for a season with an obligatory purchase clause at the end of the season. However, they have not agreed on a price.
The Italian source says Roma are offering 2m euros for the loan with 8m more to follow when they buy him. However, Barcelona are asking for 2m + 12m - an extra 4m.
The Catalan club are conscious that Vermaelen is Luciano Spalletti's preferred option. However, the sporting director, Walter Sabatini, is not keen on spending up to 14m on a 30 year old player.
In any case, Roma and the player are said to have come to an agreement. Vermaelen has agreed a three-year deal with 3m a season, including bonus, as a salary.