Ron Vlaar: Paul Lambert wants Aston Villa captain to stay

Paul Lambert brought Ron Vlaar to Villa Park from Feyenoord

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has rejected claims contract negotiations have not started with Ron Vlaar and expressed a desire to keep his captain.

Vlaar, 29, is out of contract next summer and the defender has been linked with a move to Manchester United.

"We have been speaking with Ron and the message from his agent was thanks but no thanks," said Lambert, 45.

"I'd love to keep him. We've put our foot forward and I'm a bit annoyed the agent says the ball is in our court."

Vlaar joined Villa for £3.2m from Dutch side Feyenoord in 2012 but could leave for free in June 2015 if a deal is not agreed.

His agent, Arnold Oosterveer, last week fuelled talk of a move away from the Midlands club, citing the contract's end offered a "natural break" and a "nice step" for his "ambitious" client.

A calf injury in September has restricted Vlaar's playing time at Villa to just seven games this season but Lambert is adamant he wants Vlaar to stay and is frustrated with Oosterveer's comments.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, Lambert said: "I'm not blaming Ron in any shape or form. He's been great, (we've had) good dialogue with him but I don't think you can do what he (Oosterveer) did.

"The options are open for Ron because he's in his last year, but I don't think you should air your views... especially when they're not true. All you can do is your best to try and keep him. We are trying our best on that front."

Rumours of a move to Manchester United - managed by Vlaar's former Dutch national manager Louis van Gaal - have existed since the World Cup, where the centre-back made seven appearances.