Ron Vlaar is now officially a free agent after running down his contract with Aston Villa.

Vlaar had been offered a new deal by Villa manager Tim Sherwood but the defender decided to take his time in assessing all the options available to him.

Following the end of June, Vlaar is now officially a free agent and it seems unlikely that the Netherlands international will extend his stay at Villa Park.

Southampton, Sunderland and Newcastle United have all registered an interest in Vlaar but it remains to be seen where the defender will end up by the close of the transfer window.