Manchester United Face Competition From Italian Giants For Dutch International

Manchester United are set to have competition for Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar as Serie A sides Juventus and Napoli have joined the race to sign him.

Vlaar’s contract expires next summer and the Dutch defender has stalled on signing a new contract which could mean that Villa will have to sell him in January in order to avoid losing him for nothing in the summer. The former Feyenoord man’s stock has risen after an impressive two seasons with Villa which led to him playing in the World Cup.

Manchester United were leading the race to sign the 29-year old as manager Louis Van Gaal and Vlaar had worked with each other in the last World Cup in June. With United’s defence being stretched, it’s likely that Van Gaal will strengthen in the winter transfer window.

Reports have emerged that United will face competition from Juventus and Napoli with the latter being their prime rivals for Vlaar. Rafael Benitez’s side were expected to challenge for the title but have found it hard due to defensive problems and lie 5th in the table; 11 points behind league leaders Juventus.

Manchester United struggled early on in the season with defensive mistakes costing them points, but they have managed to overturn their form and have won five in a row since the derby defeat to Manchester City. Despite their good form, Van Gaal’s side have kept just four clean sheets this season.

Vlaar missed most of the games in the starting few weeks due to a calf injury, but returned to action in mid-October. After making four appearances, he injured himself again and has missed his side’s last four games. The Dutchman has been an influential figure in the Villa team that has been fighting to keep hold of him, but if the big clubs come knocking in January then it’s likely that he’ll move.