Paul Lambert wants Ron Vlaar's Villa contract tied up before World Cup

The defender is expected to make Holland's squad for the summer tournament in Brazil after impressing this season.

Vlaar has been a key player for Lambert since signing from Feyenoord for £3m in 2012 and his contract expires at the end of next season.

And Lambert confirmed he will sit down with the 29-year-old to discuss an extension before the summer to head off any suitors.

"Going into the last year you have to look at it," he said.

"What I tend to do is speak to them before anyway, it's always the case. Myself and Ron haven't spoken about anything, I think he's been happy playing. His form this year has been really good.

"Going to the World Cup is a big carrot for him. I'm pretty sure it'll take care of itself.

"He'll definitely go to the World Cup. He has played in the last few games for them. He'll go and has been playing well for us. When he's not played it's been a bit of a blow because he gives us that balance."

Villa – who go to Newcastle tomorrow – have not won this season without Vlaar and Lambert believes the centre-back has improved.

"He has just adjusted to the pace of it," he said. "That's been the big thing. Some lads, when you bring them over, take a little bit of time to adapt and it took Ron the best part of a season to adapt. "This year he's got used to the speed of it and the players he's playing against."