Ron Vlaar Ready for Talks Over New Aston Villa Contract Despite Manchester United Interest

Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar has confirmed he has spoken to manager Paul Lambert over a new contract but has yet to formally open talks with the club.

Vlaar has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United during the January transfer window with Louis van Gaal reportedly keen to remedy his defensive concerns with the man who led his defence at the World Cup.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the 29-year-old but Vlaar insists he is eager to stay at Villa Park.

"I have nothing to say because there is nothing going on," Vlaar was quoted as saying by the Birmingham Mail. "I have spoken to the gaffer a few times [about a new deal] but that is it so far."

Vlaar's current deal expires at the end of the season when he will be able to leave the club for nothing after arriving for a fee of £3.2m in 2012.

Aston Villa's plight this season could play a role in Vlaar's future at the club. Lambert's side currently sit just two points clear of the relegation zone in 16<sup>th having failed to score a single league goal throughout the month of October.

The club did manage to secure their first point in seven games when they halted high flying West Ham United on Saturday, however, a result Vlaar believes can help the club rediscover some momentum.

"We know we needed to change something and it started with the determination we showed against West Ham," the Dutch international added.

"It was a positive result for us. We can't think that we are not good enough to do that and that is a good start."

Arsenal and United are likely to find themselves contending for some of the same defensive targets over the coming months. Arsene Wenger has already hinted he is likely to add a defender in the winter having failed to address his lack of options at centre half in the summer.