Aston Villa are set deadline over Ron Vlaar deal

Feyenoord coach Ronald Koeman has set Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert a week's deadline to decide on a deal for his defender Ron Vlaar.

The Holland international has been surprised by Villa's cool approach since he spent the previous weekend at the club talking over a transfer.

The 27-year-old is keen to join but now says: "Feyenoord is in my heart and I have been through a lot here.

"I think the chance I will move to Aston Villa is not so big any more. A transfer is off for now."

Koeman is pressing for a decision from Villa after admitting his surprise that there had been no follow-up from the club.

He said: "They know what Ron costs, and yet a week later there has still been no contact. He wants clarity. It should be decided around this weekend or else he remains at Feyenoord."

Villa boss Paul Lambert remains more focused on getting the players he does have fit for the new season and his progress has been jolted by a second injury in the forwards department.

Darren Bent (thigh strain) will need a couple of weeks' rest and now Gabby Agbonlahor faces the same time out because of a knee injury suffered against Chicago Fire.