Villa want big money for Ron Vlaar despite contract situation.
Aston Villa are demanding a huge fee of £12 million from Manchester United for the signing of Dutch centre back Ron Vlaar in January, report the Express, despite the fact that the Dutch international’s contract situation means that they would be risking losing him for nothing at the end of the season.
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The report suggests that Villa feel that Vlaar’s clear commitment to the club and the unlikeliness of him kicking up a fuss about being denied a transfer may force United’s hand in January, with the Red Devils unlikely to risk the player signing a new deal in the West Midlands – or indeed another club swooping in for him if he does become available for nothing.
Despite this, however, Vlaar has a good relationship with van Gaal after being the lynchpin of his defence at the summer World Cup for the Netherlands, which could mean that the player himself is keen for his future to be at Old Trafford.
With Vlaar having both a questionable injury record and his age heading towards 30, Villa are aware that they cannot demand a huge fee for the former Manchester United man – but outsiders and United may well see a valuation of £12m representing just that, but could the desperation of United for defensive solutions see them pay over the odds for Vlaar?