So near, yet so Vlaar?

Regardless of whether the move happens or not, I wanted to get at least one tabloid style headline in, so here we are. Back to the more serious matter at hand, and it appears Feyenoord, and more specifically coach Ronald Koeman want a quick resolution to the Vlaar saga.

The deal looked a near certainty a week or so ago, but with us now in America and a supposed difference of opinion with regards to the fee, things have gone a little quiet on the subject, well at least until today. Here are Koeman’s comments for those who haven’t seen them:

“It is good when you invite a player and give him a positive feeling but it seems to me that then you need to try a direct transfer and complete it if you want the player,”

“They have so much money but they do not pay for him.

“I need to gradually know where I stand. If it can’t be guaranteed that Ron continues here then in the final friendly matches I will play without him in the centre of the defence.”

I understand Koeman’s point of view, because he’ll want to be able to start preparing for the new season and know whether or not he’ll have one of his main players with him. Equally it does seem like he’s perhaps trying to force our hand, and it be interesting to see if it works.

Villa are touring America of course, and even with all the technology in the world, it’s still not ideal trying to sort transfers out when you’re on the other side of the Atlantic. It’s been reported that we won’t be doing any business until the tour concludes, and seen as though we’re only half way through it, Koeman might have some waiting to do yet.

Feyenoord reportedly have a few financial concerns, and I’ve read numerous reports regarding any possible transfer fee. There has been talk of a minimum release clause, and I’ve seen figures ranging from £3 to £8 million. The “They have so much money but they do not pay for him” quote is an interesting one to say the least. I wouldn’t have thought we have “so much money” (it be nice if we did!) but I think we’ve already seen Lambert won’t pay over the odds for a player.

If he has a valuation, if Feyenoord do need the money and if we’re the only team in for the player then we’re in a good position. We’ll have to move someone on (probably Collins) were he to come in, but I still expect to see the deal get done. To be fair I have heard mixed reviews on the player, but I still really hope the move goes through.

We may have to wait a little while more, but hopefully we’ll see Vlaar at the Villa sooner rather than later.

UTV.