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Everton have made an offer to take Barcelona's Thomas Vermaelen on a season-long loan with a view to buying the defender.

Ronald Koeman has been searching for a left sided defender to boost his ranks and with just over 24 hours until the transfer deadline , the Blues are waiting to hear back from Barca having lodged a bid.

Vermaelen fits the bill as being able to play at both centre-back and full-back as Koeman looks to provide balance – and support – on that side of his backline.

(Image: AP Photo/Rodolfo Molina)

The 31-year-old left Arsenal for the Nou Camp in 2014 after five years in the Premier League but spent last season on loan at Roma.

Crystal Palace, managed by Frank De Boer, are another club said to be showing interest in former Ajax defender Vermaelen but Everton have to be considered front-runners to sign the experienced defender.

Koeman is also hoping to land a striker before Thursday night's cut off though the Blues' search has so far proved fruitless after No1 target Olivier Giroud decided to stay at Arsenal.