Khedira ‘hurt’ by freezing out

Real Madrid CF midfielder has accused the club of dropping him from first-team consideration even though he was fit to play.

The Germany international, who is out of a contract at the end of the June, will not be short of potential suitors despite having started just three league matches all season long.

In fact, the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus and Manchester United are keen on signing Khedira when the transfer window re-opens in July, according to Sky Sports.

“I did have a small injury, a pain in my right heel, but that wasn’t why I wasn’t playing,” Khedira said.       

“It wasn’t a complicated injury, I was able to play.             

“I’ve always felt that I’ve had the coach’s backing, but the message indirectly came through to me that I was no longer needed, I was frozen out and wouldn’t have a chance to continue playing.

“It’s not the end that I wanted. It hurts that I’m accused of a lack of professionalism because I’ve always put the team ahead of myself. I’ve always gone with the truth.

Madrid capped off their trophy-less 2014/15 campaign with a 7-3 win over rivals Getafe, with Cristiano Ronaldo netting a first-half hat-trick and Martin Odegaard making his first-team debut for the club.

Sherwood: Vlaar wants to stay at Villa

Aston Villa F.C. boss Tim Sherwood has revealed centre-back Ron Vlaar wants to stay at the club despite reports linking the player with a summer move to Manchester United.

Vlaar, a Holland international, was expected to leave the club in July, but the club’s recent surge under Sherwood has the Dutchman reconsidering his options.

“I’ve told Ron I want him to stay and he’s said he wants to,” said Sherwood.

“So his representatives are going to talk the club and I’m confident something can be done. Are we close? Well, put it this way, we’re not a million pounds away!

“He’s a man who is quite rightly in demand but I can see him being here next season.

“Ron’s going to have a lot of options. He’s not long come back from a World Cup where he had a really good tournament.”

Sherwood added: “He’s indicated to me that he’s happy and I’m thinking exactly the same way, so I’m sure it will get done.

“Our best results have come when Ron is playing. He’s a great character to have around and has a very calming influence.”

Villa are priced at 11/10 to defeat Burnley on Championship Sunday.