Tim Sherwood hopeful Ron Vlaar will stay at Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has revealed in-demand defender Ron Vlaar has told him he wants to stay at the club.

Netherlands international Vlaar had looked increasingly likely to leave Villa Park when his contract expires this summer to join a bigger club.

Manchester United have been most strongly linked with the centre-half, but Vlaar hinted recently that Sherwood's impact as manager could convince him to stay.

Now Sherwood himself has given Villa fans firmer suggestions the former captain could stay.

"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 is well aware of 'Concrete Ron's' importance to the team.

"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," he said.

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