Everton FC news: Thomas Vermaelen reveals why Barcelona blocked summer move

The 31-year-old has spent a large proportion of his time injured since arriving at Barca from Arsenal in 2014.
He is now way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp, where the likes of Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti are usually selected ahead of him.
However, there was summer interest from a range of clubs who would have been willing to offer him regular first-team football – and Everton were among them.

Now Vermaelen has lifted the lid on why he did not make a move but instead remained a bit-part player at Barca.
He told DH: "The board told me they needed four centre-backs. I didn't have a choice but to stay. Clubs tried until the very last day, like Everton, but it was impossible.

"I wasn't even able to negotiate.

"Unfortunately, my release clause is very expensive (€80m). Who was going to pay that?"