Transfer boost for Manchester United as defender’s agent reveals he is set to leave

Manchester United have been given a boost ahead of the transfer window in January as it’s very likely that Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar will leave in the next window.

Vlaar’s current contract expires next summer and he has stalled over signing a new deal as he is very much aware that bigger clubs are interested in him.

Arnold Oosterveer, Vlaar’s agent, told Voetbal International, “We have not spoken to Aston Villa. The club have not requested talks with us.

“The ball is with Aston Villa. Ron is in a situation which is not unfavourable. We are in no hurry.

“I don’t want to respond [to rumours about Arsenal and Manchester United], but the natural break for Ron is now and it’s the time to take a nice step. He is ambitious.

“Last summer, Southampton were interested in Ron. But we asked ourselves whether that club would be a step forward compared to Aston Villa.

“Now that club are suddenly second, so things can happen quickly.”

The 29-year old appeared for the club last month after an injury had disrupted his start of the season. The Dutchman had an impressive World Cup so there were always going to be rumours linking him with other clubs. However, Villa manager Paul Lambert managed to keep him out of the grasp of other club hoping that he would sign an extension this season. The former Feyenoord man had recently revealed that  he want’s his salary to be double for him to stay at the club. Considering Villa’s finances, it’s unlikely that he will be provided such high wages.

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal worked with him at the World Cup and Vlaar was a central figure in his team. A potential deal is definitely on the cards as United will not have to shell out a huge fee for Vlaar.