Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen Tempted To Move To Manchester United - Report

Mancheter United have reportedly earmarked Arsenal centre-back Thomas Vermaelen as their main target to replace Nemanja Vidic, who recently confirmed he will joined Inter Milan at the end of the season once his contract at the Premier League champions expires.

Even though Vermaelen started in his side's 4-1 FA Cup victory over Everton, the 28-year-old defender is reportedly keen on moving away at the end of the season as he has only made three starting Premier League appearances this season.

According to The Sun, Manchester United are monitoring his situation as manager David Moyes sees him as the perfect replacement for Vidic.

Furthermore, the report adds that Vermaelen's strong relationship with United striker Robin Van Persie may help to complete the deal, with Arsenal expected to demand around £12m for his services.

Vermaelen joined Arsenal from Ajax in 2009 and although he remains club captain he has lost his place in Arsene Wenger's line-up in favour of the impressive partnership forged by Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

Reports suggest the Belgium international was already interested in moving to Napoli during the January transfer window in order to boost his hopes of winning a starting role in his country's World Cup side, but Wenger refused to sell him in mid-season as he is the club's only other option at centre half.

However, Vermaelen's agent Alex Kroes recently revealed that his client has told his manager that he wants to leave the Emirates at the end of the season.

"Thomas has told Wenger that he wants to leave Arsenal this summer," he said.

After Vidic confirmed his departure from Old Trafford and with Rio Ferdinand's future also uncertain, United have recently been linked with a number of centre-backs including Porto star Eliaquim Mangala, former Manchester City defender Stefan Savic and Benfica's Ezequiel Garay.