Concrete Ron

[cheltenhamlion]

Have Southampton not just purchased a Romanian centre half for about six million? Or was this some bizarre dream I have had?

[Chris Smith]

I agree, but we're hardly an attractive option either given that we are showing and have shown no ambition over the last few years. I suspect he'll got to Man Utd.

If they bid for him then I think it would probably happen. However, if they want him why haven't they already done it with the season starting tomorrow?

[PaulWinch again]

Well Vermaelan was clearly they're main choice, but that didn't happen. It may be the case that if they get desperate that Vlaar would be a good and cost effective option for a year or so.

[silhillvilla]

Would  yanited need our permission before they can talk / bid ?

[Matt Collins]

I imagine united' priority is for a left footed centre back to play in a back three

I doubt they'll take Nathan baker though

[LeeB]

Would  yanited need our permission before they can talk / bid ?

Nobody needs permission to bid, everybody needs permission to talk.

[curiousorange]

I think what tends to happen in these situations is that whichever club is being heavily linked looks at how their season starts and whether or not to firm up a bid. It's one thing for Koeman (for example) to think his team is ready on the training ground, and quite another to know they need strengthening. They're in a decent position finance-wise, but I don't think bids will come in until deadline day, if at all. But I don't think Vlaar will sign a new contract even if he doesn't move. To be honest, I'd take the hit and offer a better contract to Delph.

[silhillvilla]

At his age and risk profile , Ron needs to put pen to paper with someone fairly soon I'd have thought.

[Clampy]

At his age and risk profile , Ron needs to put pen to paper with someone fairly soon I'd have thought.

I'm not sure about that. If he waits a few months, he'll possibly have a good choice of clubs to choose from.

[silhillvilla]

His stock was highest immediately after the WC . It can only diminish from here on especially in our defence. Then there's the very real possibility of injuries .

[Clampy]

His stock was highest immediately after the WC .

Yes it was, but no-one has come in for him which is why he's still here.

[andyh]

I suppose the question is, does our club actually want to keep him ?
If there is ANY truth in this, then it makes you wonder.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-ron-vlaar-fit-7617366

[PaulWinch again]

It does seem very strange that we apparently haven't made any formal effort to tie our captain down to a new deal.

[silhillvilla]

Probably due to the injuries and his age the club are reluctant to offer a long term deal. It maybe they'll wait til January and assess then ?

[Dave]

At his age and risk profile , Ron needs to put pen to paper with someone fairly soon I'd have thought.

I'm not sure about that. If he waits a few months, he'll possibly have a good choice of clubs to choose from.

I'm not so sure that would be his mentality given his injury record.

If we put a three year contract on the table, paying say £40k per week  - then it takes a fairly brave person to say no to £6m on the off-chance that he might get a more attractive offer in 6-12 months time.

It only takes a pop in his hamstring and all of a sudden he doesn't have all those offers (or potentially even the one that we might give him now)