Aston Villa are reluctant to lose Ron Vlaar.
The Daily Star says Villa are ready to dig their heels in over Vlaar this summer despite a new offer for the defender from Lazio.
Lazio have already held talks with Vlaar's agent and believe he is interested in a move to Italy. But Villa will resist their attempts to sign him.
Southampton have also expressed an interest in Vlaar, who is currently weighing up his options ahead of the new season.
But the player's advisers are steering him away from a move to St Mary's after a summer of upheaval on the south coast which saw a mass exodus of star names.
Villa want Vlaar to sign a new contract and remain hopeful he will stay at the club for at least one more season.
But they accept that situation could change if a bigger club comes in for him, with Manchester United also watching developments.
