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Ron Vlaar has plunged his future into doubt by claiming he can do better than Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old centre-back, who impressed for the Netherlands at last year’s World Cup, said: “I want to maximise my career and I think I can go a step higher.

“I will look at it and go quietly.”

It comes amid a period of overall uncertainty for Villa fans with owner Randy Lerner ready to sell the club and a mystery bidder poised to complete a takeover as early as next month.

(Image: Reuters)

Vlaar, who joined Villa from Feyenoord in 2012, has been offered a new deal with his current contract set to expire.

He attracted interest from Southampton after the Dutch surged to the World Cup semi-final last summer.

He remained at Villa Park, however, and helped the club to reach the FA Cup final.

In pictures - FA Cup final

Following their semi-final win over Liverpool he claimed that after Tim Sherwood’s arrival as boss and the club’s upturn in fortunes he was thinking of staying.

But he said: “I have a lot to consider. I will think about things.”

Meanwhile striker Darren Bent, who joined the Villans for £24million in January 2011, has been released on a free transfer.

He has signed a two-year deal with Championship side Derby with an option for a third year.