West Ham bid for Ron Vlaar?

West Ham are said to be ready to make a bid for Dutch defender Ron Vlaar. The Hammers are willing to double a rival bid from Manchester United.

Winston Reid, who is currently the first choice centre back at Upton Park, has attracted plenty of attention from other top teams and could be sold in January. Vlaar has been suggested as a possible replacement for Reid should the Kiwi defender decide to head for a fresh challenge. Vlaar's contract at Villa Park will expire next June and despite Aston Villa's best efforts to tie the Dutchman down to a new deal, the defender has so far rejected a new contract.