Ron Vlaar keen on Aston Villa deal
Holland international Ron Vlaar today spoke of his excitement at a potential £5m switch to Aston Villa.
Holland international Ron Vlaar today spoke of his excitement at a potential £5m switch to Aston Villa.
The Feyenoord defender, 27, held talks with Villa boss Paul Lambert over the weekend and admits it would be a "dream" to swap the Eredivisie for the Premier League.
He said: "I was in Birmingham to have talks with Paul Lambert and left with a very positive impression.
"Joining Aston Villa would be a dream come true. I look forward to the Premier League but I will miss Feyenoord.
"I feel at home at De Kuip and although both me personally and the club have had a lot of ups and downs, we have maintained a good relationship."
Vlaar has won nine caps for Holland and, should he sign, will boost Villa's defensive ranks weakened by Carlos Cuellar's move to Sunderland.
Although a deal is yet to be completed, Villa remain in pole position and it would appear a matter of time before they seal a switch for Vlaar.
Feyenoord's director of football Martin Van Geel admitted: "Ron visited Birmingham and wants to continue his career at Aston Villa.
"We met with him last week to discuss a contract extension, but that was not an option. It's true that he has a buy-out clause. I won't reveal how much exactly we're talking about, but we're obviously talking about millions here."
The player is valued around the £5m mark and the prospect of him joining Villa comes at a time of exciting developments for fans.
Villa are in Philadelphia to begin their three-game US tour, but Lambert left with speculation of Newcastle full-back Danny Simpson joining the club.
Simpson is unwilling to extend his contract on Tyneside.
Lambert has left chief executive Paul Faulkner to sort out the Vlaar deal as he settles down to preparing his squad for work-outs against Philadelphia Union, Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers.
"The travel is quite extensive, but it will be good to get everyone away together," said Lambert. "The guys over in America are already in their seasons, which means they will be tough opposition and it will help get everyone in the squad together.
"They will be ahead of us in terms of a fitness level, that's for sure."
