Ron Vlaar: Considering extended stay at Villa Park

Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar has revealed he may sign a new contract to remain at the club beyond this summer.

The Netherlands international is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and was expected to be on his way out of Villa Park, with Manchester United among the clubs linked with his signature.

Tim Sherwood’s side secured their place in the FA Cup final after defeating Liverpool 2-1 after extra-time at Wembley on Sunday but their Premier League survival is not yet guaranteed.

Ron Vlaar admits it is hard to appreciate how big the semi-final win is for Aston Villa. Ron Vlaar admits it is hard to appreciate how big the semi-final win is for Aston Villa.

But Vlaar, who joined the club from Feyenoord for £3.2m in August 2012, admits he can now see a future for him at Villa after battling back from calf and knee problems earlier in the season.

"Things have changed for me in the past few months since (Tim) Sherwood took over,” he said.

"It's been a hard season for me with all the injuries. Now I just want to play and be important for the team. This helps - you can trust me on that.

"I don't know about my future but to be part of this feels so good, to feel the joy and relief after the West Brom game (the FA Cup quarter-final). So many people came on the pitch.

"The impact for the fans, how big this club and what it all means. I called my dad and said 'This really means something'. It's great. Everything helps."