Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer is reportedly targeting a summer move for Barcelona centre-back Thomas Vermaelen.

The 31-year-old joined Barcelona from Arsenal in the summer of 2014, but spent the 2016-17 campaign on loan at Roma after struggling to settle at Camp Nou.

Watford have been linked with a loan move for the Netherlands international in recent months, but according to The Mirror, new Palace manager De Boer wants to sign his fellow countryman on a permanent deal in this summer's transfer window.

Vermaelen made 150 appearances for Arsenal between 2009 and 2014, winning the FA Cup during his time at the Emirates Stadium, and it is understood that the centre-back is keen on a return to the Premier League.

The Dutchman has made just 21 appearances for Barcelona since the start of the 2014-15 season.