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Aston Villa could raid neighbours West Brom for former captain Jonas Olsson if they lose the fight to keep their own skipper Ron Vlaar.

The 6ft 4ins Swede, 31, has been out of Albion’s first-team plans since September when former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott took over.

And he would give Villa a ready-made answer in January if they are unable to hold off Manchester United’s interest in Dutch World Cup star Vlaar.

Villa boss Paul Lambert has the backing of owner Randy Lerner to turn down United, even though it means he could lose his captain for nothing in the summer.

But with contract talks failing to even get started, and Vlaar’s agent warning this week that it was time for his client to find “a nice big move”, he will find it hard to block United boss Louis van Gaal’s approaches.