Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has given his captain Ron Vlaar an ultimatum that he needs to stay fit before thinking of a move to a big club.

The defender shone in last year's World Cup for Holland and was a subject of interest from a host of clubs, yet he decided to stay at Villa.

Vlaar, whose contract expires in the summer, has since endured a frustrating injury-riddled season in which he has made just 13 Premier League appearances.

Sherwood said: "We all know what he has done over the years but when people are putting their hands in their pockets to fork out money, they want to know they are getting value.

"He was right up there with the best at the World Cup but people have short memories.

"You are always looking at what people are doing now rather than a few months ago.

"He will have far more options open to him if he is in the shop window that's for sure."

Vlaar is set to return to Villa's line-up for the Premier League clash against Man Utd on Saturday.