Dutch defender Ron Vlaar is the latest player to attract interest from Newcastle United, but they face competition from a number of clubs including Sunderland, West Ham United and Turkish outfit Besiktas.
Vlaar – whose contract is set to expire at the end of the month – has not committed his future to Aston Villa and Tim Sherwood has already signed an adequate replacement in the shape of England international Micah Richards.
Newcastle, who were also linked with Micah Richards at one time, are desperate to bolster their defensive options this summer and Vlaar fits their criteria.
The 30-year-old starred for the Netherlands in last year’s World Cup and is currently considering his options.
He told Voetbal International: “I want to maximise my career and think I can go a step higher. I will look at it [before deciding].”
Whether Vlaar considers moving from Aston Villa to Newcastle as a ‘step higher’ is up for debate.
The commanding centre back started his career with AZ Alkmaar before moving to Feyenoord where he established himself in the team. In 2012, he moved to Villa and has played a significant number of matches for them.
