Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Fabinho and Thomas Vermaelen Rumours

Monaco defender Fabinho has spoken about rumours linking him with a move to replace Dani Alves at Barcelona, saying he is flattered to be associated with the great club.

Joe Wright of Goal.com quoted the 21-year-old full-back, who can also play in midfield, speaking to a press conference about the current interest in him:

"

I saw in a newspaper that I was on a list of five full-backs who interest Barcelona, but I have not said anything. I don't know about my future. It is good when your name is associated with Barcelona but I am focused on Monaco. Barcelona are stronger with all their stars. We are a very young team, with less experience. Barcelona are always there to win it all.

"

Lionel Cironneau/Associated Press

Despite an apparent willingness by Luis Enrique to retain Alves, Bleacher Report's Guillem Balague believes the player could still leave the Camp Nou, with huge offers from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United on the table:

While the Blaugrana's transfer signing ban is a significant obstacle, Fabinho would be a youthful alternative for the ageing Alves, with his dribbling skills one of the key components to his game, giving him a presence in the last third of the pitch.

The Brazilian has been in exceptional form for the Ligue 1 side this season, featuring prominently in their tremendous Champions League run.

The player has appeared 39 times in the top tier of French football and Europe, scoring twice, per WhoScored.com.

The ability to play in central midfield also gives Fabinho added value, happy in both a defensive capacity and more conventional tactics moving forward. 

Alves' contract situation looks certain to drag on, leading to frustration for any of his potential replacements that Barca may target.

Barca to Cut Losses on Thomas Vermaelen

Rodolfo Molina/Associated Press

In what has turned out to be one of Barcelona's worst signings in recent memory, the club will now look to offload Belgium international Thomas Vermaelen back to the Premier League.

The defender's injury problems have not improved during his stay at the Camp Nou, with his next destination possibly being Merseyside. 

Lewis Rudd of Metro reports Tuttomercatoweb.com say Vermaelen could join Everton next season, with the 29-year-old still to make his debut for the Blaugrana.

The centre-back signed from Arsenal for £15 million after the World Cup in Brazil, per Rudd, but his perennial issues with injury have destroyed his career.

Rodolfo Molina/Associated Press

Sylvain Distin's time at Goodison Park appears to be coming to an end, and Roberto Martinez could give Vermaelen the opportunity to revitalise his flagging fortunes in the EPL. 

There were always questions about Vermaelen's purchase and undoubtedly it was a strange piece of business by Enrique. 

The player struggled to get into Arsene Wenger's first team over an extended period and it was unlikely he would make a splash in Spain. 

For such an incredible price, any coach would want a more fit and ready player, making the former Gunners captain an odd purchase.

Barca will not make anything near their original outlay on the defender, with Everton unlikely to want to spend big money on such a risky individual.