Having already swooped for Federico Fazio on a temporary basis, the Italian club are keen to add another defender to their ranks and see Barca's man as a prime target
Roma is in advanced talks with Barcelona over the signing of center back Thomas Vermaelen, according to head coach Luciano Spalletti.
Reports in Italy on Friday have claimed that the Serie A side have offered a two million euro ($2.2M) fee to secure a season-long loan, with an option to sign the 30-year-old on a permanent basis next year.
Spalletti has confirmed that sporting director Walter Sabatini is making progress over a transfer, but denied that a deal had already been agreed.