Transfer news: Aston Villa have no plans to part with skipper Ron Vlaar

Ron Vlaar: Vital for Villa, says Lambert

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has warned those considering a move for Ron Vlaar that the Dutch defender is not for sale.

Southampton have been heavily linked with an approach for the Holland international in the wake of his impressive performances at the World Cup finals.

Ronald Koeman, the new man in charge at St Mary’s, has admitted to holding an interest in Vlaar.

He said: “Ron would definitely be an option. But I think he won’t be cheap right now. Let’s just wait and see.”

None of this speculation is coming from him, or anyone connected with him. We aren’t selling. It is as simple as that. Paul Lambert

Lambert is disappointed to have seen a fellow Premier League manager publicly discussing the future of a player who remains under contract.

The Scot is, however, confident that the speculation will soon die down as he has no intention of parting with his skipper and believes fresh terms will soon be agreed with the 29-year-old centre-half.

Lambert said in The Sun: “Ron is not only an Aston Villa player, he is our captain.

“He has one year remaining on his contract and he is staying here.

“We will be talking with him in due course about extending his deal and we are confident those talks will be positive.

“Ron has always said that he is really happy here and has done nothing to suggest anything has changed.

“None of this speculation is coming from him, or anyone connected with him.

“We aren’t selling. It is as simple as that.”