Report: Villa defender ready for the Serie A

Former Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar has recently traveled to Rome to try and reach an agreement with Italian side Lazio. While the Dutch defender has been heavily linked with Southampton and Manchester United to join forces with fellow Dutch managers Ronald Koeman and Louis Van Gaal respectively, it appears that Vlaar is set for a move to the Italian first division. While the move may seem somewhat peculiar, Lazio are still a well known European club, and have a spot in next season's Champions League, something that Vlaar has been pursuing. Additionally, while most of Europe's elite clubs already have solidified defenses, Lazio is of a quality where Vlaar becoming a first choice centre back is not  unimaginable.

At certain points in time, Vlaar has illustrated the capability to be a world class centre half, but on other occasions, his performances have left something to be desired. He was immense in last summer's world cup, announcing himself to the football world in a way that he hadn't done previously. He was a capable leader for Villa through many hard times, but injuries riddled his time with the club.

Vlaar started this season with Phillipe Senderos (remember him?) as Villa's starting centre back, and the two formed a competent partnership, leading Villa to a very fast start. While his season turned to steep decline, epitomized by a last minute red card and penalty conceded to Stoke City, Vlaar was still an often fixture during Tim Sherwood's brief time in charge last season, and it appears that Sherwood wanted Vlaar back, but could not find away to retain his services.

Do you think Vlaar is making the right move, and would you be happy if something drastic changed and we saw him in the claret and blue again next season? Let us know!