Friday, 21st November, 2014
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has expressed his annoyance with Ron Vlaar's agent and suggested that the club have hit a brick wall in their efforts to extend the defender's contract.
Vlaar has less than a year remaining on his contract at Villa Park and has been strongly linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United.
His agent recently suggested that he had had no contact with Aston Villa over a new deal and suggested his client may well be ready to start a new chapter.
But Lambert insists Villa are doing all they can to convince Vlaar to remain at the club. However, while the defender has been open to talking, his agent has not.
"We have been speaking with Ron and the message from his agent was thanks but no thanks", the Aston Villa boss told the BBC.
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"I'd love to keep him. We've put our foot forward and I'm a bit annoyed the agent says the ball is in our court.
"I'm not blaming Ron in any shape or form. He's been great, good dialogue with him but I don't think you can do what he [the agent] did", Lambert continued.
"The options are open for Ron because he's in his last year, but I don't think you should air your views… especially when they're not true. All you can do is your best to try and keep him. We are trying our best on that front."
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