Aston Villa rule out Ron Vlaar sale

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has told any potential suitors for defender Ron Vlaar that the Dutchman is not for sale. Man Utd and Arsenal are amongst the teams that have expressed interest in the centre back.

Lambert is desperate to keep hold of Vlaar for the upcoming campaign, citing that Vlaar remains his club captain.

“Ron is not only an Aston Villa player, he is our captain,” said Lambert. “He has one year remaining on his contract — and he is staying here.

“We will be talking with him in due course about extending his deal and we are confident those talks will be positive.

“Ron has always said that he is really happy here and has done nothing to suggest anything has changed. None of this speculation is coming from him, or anyone connected with him. We aren’t selling. It is as simple as that.”