Man Utd to make bid for Ron Vlaar

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal wants to open talks with Aston Villa next week to wrap up a deal for central defender Ron Vlaar. The Dutchman impressed at the World Cup and the then Netherlands coach van Gaal is looking to add the centre back to his squad in time for the new season.

Ron Vlaar has already attracted the interest of numerous teams including Southampton, where manager Ronald Koeman had hoped to bring in his fellow countryman as a replacement for Dejan Lovren, who has since departed for Liverpool.

However, with the interest of Manchester United, it is looking increasingly likely that Vlaar will reject a move to the Saints and move north instead.

Vlaar had an excellent World Cup tournament and is also being tracked by Juventus.