Vlaar ready to stay despite Arsenal, Manchester United interest

Yesterday we heard the news that Arsenal and Manchester United still hadn't gotten wind of the transfer window closing. They were apparently interested in bringing Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar in to cover for some problems they're having right now. The news is either three weeks too late or many more weeks too early.

Well, Vlaar is apparently as eager to see the rumours around him disappear as are we. James Nursey is reporting today that the Dutch star is ready to open contract negotiations with Aston Villa after demurring since his wildly successful World Cup. His contract, of course, is up at the end of this season so if there is any plan of staying, negotiating now would make things much more simple.

And Aston Villa have been willing, despite being for sale, to sign new contracts lately. Gabby Agbonlahor, Alan Hutton, and Paul Lambert have all gotten new deals in the past two weeks. It's pretty easy to see that signing Vlaar to another contract would probably be better for Villa than either of Gabby or Hutton. The captain's skill at organizing the Villa defense has turned the back line into one of the most effective in the Premier League. Even if the beginning of the season is a mirage, it's impossible to say that the club would be better without him.

So Randy, Paul, and Tom? Get this done please.