United offer striker to Villa in defender pursuit.
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Manchester United are set to try their luck with a cash-plus-player offer to Aston Villa for the signing of Dutch centre-back Ron Vlaar, with Danny Welbeck thought to be the player on offer in exchange.
The Red Devils have been chasing a new signing in defence all summer but have missed out on big names such as Thomas Vermaelen, Mats Hummels and Mehdi Benatia in what has proven to be another frustrating transfer window for the club.
Marcos Rojo has been brought in from Sporting Lisbon on the back of a strong World Cup with Argentina, and Louis van Gaal could now look to sign one of his own impressive World Cup performers with a bid for Netherlands international Vlaar.
The 29-year-old has only been at Villa for two seasons but has quickly established himself as one of the most solid and tough centre-backs in the Premier League with some fine displays for Paul Lambert’s side.
Vlaar was also a big name back in his native Holland after becoming a key player for his previous club Feyenoord, and he may now get a chance at the big time with a move to Old Trafford.
However, Villa will no doubt be keen to avoid losing one of their best players to United, and van Gaal is prepared to test their resolve for the defender with the offer of a player in return.
Keen to sell Welbeck, who has also been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, it appears that the England striker will be the player to move as part of the deal, though United would also be open to negotiating for other unwanted members of their squad, such as Wilfried Zaha, Tom Cleverley and former Villa star Ashley Young.
Vlaar may not be the world class star at central defence that United craved, but with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand leaving earlier this summer, he could be a crucial addition to the back four as they look to bounce back after an awful campaign last season.
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