For once the transfer rumour is concerning possible arrivals at St Mary's rather than people going out of the door and an old favourite from last summer is emerging.

Latest Saints rumour concerns the potential signing of Ron Vlaar from Aston Villa, Concrete Ron as he is nicknamed was hotly tipped to join Ronald Koeman last summer, but Aston Villa resisted all attempts to sign him with Manchester united allegedly being in the queue.

Now with his contract up this summer Vlaar is understood to have refused a new deal and can leave the club for free this summer and of course this means the media will start linking him with former suitors Saints.

Vlaar has had his injury problems and has only just returned to the side after his 3rd six week spell on the sidelines meaning he has only played 12 times for Villa in the Premier league, less than half the games.

However given that he will cost nothing in transfer fees that may not deter Koeman from trying again to sign the player who only just turned 30 earlier this week,.

Saints have had a good defensive pairing this season in Jose Fonte and Toby Alderweireld, but with the latter looking increasingly likely to be the subject of a bidding war in the summer as Saints try to secure his services and the former turning 32 in the first half of next season, Koeman will be looking to not only shore up the centre of defence in the short term if Alderweireld leaves, but consider options longer term with Yoshida and Gardos not having yet shown that either is truly the answer.

Photo: Action Images

bstokesaint added 13:35 - Feb 20 I'll be gutted if we lose Toby. The past two seasons especially have taught me to accept that as a Saints' fan that we are a business (as well as a football club) and a good one at that. Rare players will show loyalty and we'll love them for that. However we should continue to sell wantaways for £20m+ a time and replace them for cheaper in order to continue to improve, or at least get no worse, and to keep the club financially stable for generations of Saints' fans to come. So back to Vlaar, if he ends up coming to us at the right price then so be it. Onwards and upwards.

0

ItchenNorth added 23:45 - Feb 20 If we can't secure Alderweireld, Vlarr would be a very good acquisition.
0

landsdownsaint added 09:37 - Feb 21 While he's there I wonder if he could ask Villa what they want for Benteke?
0

Blogs 31 bloggers

Southampton Polls