Ron Vlaar is keen to hold new contract talks with Aston Villa.

The Mirror says Vlaar has told Aston Villa he is finally ready to start contract negotiations.

But the club still face a fight to convince the Dutch international to stay long-term.

Manchester United have been keeping tabs on him, in the absence of any serious negotiations about fresh terms at Villa Park.

But Vlaar, who impressed under Louis van Gaal at the World Cup, is ready to start talks with Villa as he considers his options.