Aston Villa are hopeful of completing a deal for Dutch versatility man Ron Vlaar this week, The Daily Mail reports.
Paul Lambert is eager to bolster his inherited squad before the start of the new season, and has already raided the Eredivisie once to bring Karim El Ahmadi to the Midlands.
Vlaar, who was included in Bert van Marwijk’s Netherlands squad for Euro 2012, is next in the Scot’s cross-hairs and should be allowed to leave Feyenoord if a suitable bid is received.
The 27-year-old can play either in the centre of defence or as a holding midfielder, and was part of Ronald Koeman’s side that finished as runners-up in the Dutch top flight last term.
Villa are also said to be weighing up bids for Newcastle full-back Danny Simpson and Nottingham Forest’s Chris Gunter, as the new coach looks to solidify his side’s rearguard.
By Gareth McKnight
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