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Everton boss Ronald Koeman is keen to sign a defender on transfer deadline day
The Toffees have made an offer to take Barcelona's Thomas Vermaelen on loan
Former Arsenal man can play in central defence or at left back if necessary
Everton are also closing in on an £8million deal for Hajduk Split's Nikola Vlasic

By Simon Jones for MailOnline and Joe Strange for MailOnline

Published: 19:36 EDT, 30 August 2017 | Updated: 19:40 EDT, 30 August 2017

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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 31-year-old.

Ronald Koeman is keen to add a versatile defender to his squad on transfer deadline day and he believes Vermaelen fits the bill.

The former Arsenal star is most comfortable as a left-sided central defender, but he can also operate at left back.

Everton want to sign Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen on a season-long loan deal

The Toffees have added Michael Keane to their ranks this summer, but are missing Ramiro Funes Mori with a serious knee injury. Leighton Baines remains the only recognised left back in the squad.

Vermaelen has struggled for fitness since making a £15million move to the Nou Camp in the summer of 2014, making just 21 appearances for the Spanish giants.

He spent last season on loan at Roma, playing 12 games in all competitions as Luciano Spalletti's side finished second in Serie A behind Juventus.

Meanwhile, Everton are closing in on a deal for Hajduk Split's Nikola Vlasic after making an £8million offer.

Everton are closing in on an £8million deal for promising Hajduk Split winger Nikola Vlasic

The 19-year-old impressed in Split's Europa League play-off defeat against the Blues, although the Merseyside club now face a race against time to submit his work permit application in time.

Everton also hope to sign a striker - either permanently or on loan - before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Thursday.