Aston Villa hope Ron Vlaar will sign new deal

Aston Villa still hope to tie Ron Vlaar down to a new four-year deal, despite interest from Southampton while Manchester United are waiting in the wings.

Saints are poised to follow up their interest in Villa captain Vlaar, after selling Dejan Lovren to Liverpool.

Vlaar, 29, only has 12 months left on his contract at Villa Park and Southampton are prepared to offer him a hefty pay-rise.

New Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has worked with Vlaar before at Feyenoord and wants to be reunited with him.

But after seeing Saints sell Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers, Villa believe Koeman's side could be relegation rivals this season.

Owner Randy Lerner is reportedly looking at a £45,000 a week four-year contract extension to try and persuade Vlaar to stay.

Boss Paul Lambert has moved on most of the big-money stars as the club slashed the wage bill.

However, they know if United firm up their interest, Vlaar will be off to Old Trafford. The Dutch star had an outstanding World Cup for Holland under Louis van Gaal, whose side finished third in Brazil.

Van Gaal has since taken charge at Old Trafford and needs new defenders after Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra left.

The Dutch boss is a huge fan of Vlaar and believes he can bring stability to the United defence as they look to recover from last season's woes. It is a sentiment which former United and Villa defender Paul McGrath agrees with.

"Manchester United's defence is an area which could do with strengthening," McGrath said.

"They have lost Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra. With Luke Shaw coming in, it's going to be a very young and inexperienced defence. I'm hoping he'll bring in a good experienced defender. Ron Vlaar would be on that list."

Meanwhile, target Wes Hoolahan looks set to stay at Norwich after making his peace with the club.

The Ireland midfielder fell out of favour under former manager Chris Hughton last season and was disciplined after a foul mouthed attack on the club.

He looked certain to have played his last game for the Canaries, even though a £1m Villa bid and a transfer request were both rejected.

But the departure of Hughton and the appointment of Neil Adams has given the 31-year-old a new lease of life and he has played a starring role in pre-season.

The playmaker will now spearhead Norwich's bid for promotion from the Championship.