Vlaar talks down Villa switch

Feyenoord defender Ron Vlaar says his proposed move to Aston Villa has all but collapsed.

Netherlands international Vlaar had previously described a potential transfer to the English Premier League side as a “dream come true”, with Villa manager Paul Lambert also appearing keen to secure his services.

However, Scot has seemingly cooled his interest in the centre-back in recent days and it now appears Vlaar will remain with Feyenoord for the forthcoming campaign.

“Feyenoord is in my heart and I have been through a lot here,” he told RTV Rijnmond.

“I think the chance I will move to Aston Villa is not so big anymore.

“I don’t want to be kept on a leash, so a transfer is off for now.”

Vlaar has been at Feyenoord since moving from AZ in 2005, and has made more than 130 appearances for the Eredivisie club.