Louis Van Gaal is determined to sign Ron Vlaar in January as he attempts to solve the defensive crisis that has crippled Manchester United since the start of the season.
With Jonny Evans having only just returned to training, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo out injured and Chris Smalling suspended after his brainless sending off in the derby, United only have two centre-backs available, but Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair are too raw to be relied upon for a whole season.
Vlaar, a key member of Holland’s defense at the 2014 World Cup, has been previously linked with a move to Old Trafford, largely as his contract expires at the end of the season, when he’ll be available for free.
Villa value Vlaar at around £12m and have tried to get their captain to sign a new deal to avoid the risk of him leaving Villa Park as a free agent in six months, but the 29-year-old has not put pen to paper, yet and the Mirror claims United will test the Midlands club’s resolve with an offer in January.
Van Gaal, the report adds, will not be forced into paying £12m, though the United manager knows that Vlaar is arguably the only centre-back who would improve his back four and who is also available for a relatively small fee.
