Napoli join race for Ron Vlaar

Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar has emerged as a surprise target for Italian giants Napoli, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

Signing a central defender is not a priority for the Azzurri at the moment as they are in the market for a forward and left-back, but they have been alerted of Ron Vlaar’s availability.

With the centre-back’s current deal due to expire at the end of the season and the Netherlands star unlikely to sign a new contract, Napoli are ready to make a move and try to sign him on a cut-price deal in January.

The Azzurri are likely to face stiff competition from England’s top sides, and it remains to be seen whether they can emerge victorious.

Ron Vlaar, 29, has been in fine form ever since he joined Aston Villa from Feyenoord two and a half years back and he was especially impressive playing for the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup last summer.