Ron Vlaar could leave after the World Cup?

Could Ron Vlaar be leaving Aston Villa? It's a grim prospect but Villa's captain could well disappear before the new season gets underway.


The Dutch international is thought to be frustrated at the current Randy Lerner induced paralysis at the club. He would have expected to have been offered fresh terms as he enters the last year of his current deal, but uncertainty over the future means that meaningful talks aren't taking place.

Vlaar is currently concentrating on Holland's preparations for The World Cup and if he manages to impress on that global stage, the offers will come flooding in. Villa may choose to cash on this rather than let the player walk away on a free transfer this time next year.

New Manchester United head honcho and current Dutch manager Louis van Gaal is well aware of the central defender's talents and is keen to add numbers and quality to the Red Devils' defensive staff following the departures of Ferdinand and Vidic and would be confident that Villa's skipper could challenge the likes of Smalling and Jones for a first team berth.  Other teams across Europe will be keeping an eye on a player who may feel his reputation has been tarnished by having to perform in Villa's shaky, technically deficient back line.

With season ticket renewals already being adversely affected by last season's home form and the prospect of more of the same, the club will be anxious to play down any rumour that one of the better players in the squad is leaving, at least until after the World Cup when renewal deadlines will have passed.