It seems that Louis van Gaal is set to take another of his World Cup squad to Manchester United - Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar.
Miguel Delaney has reported for ESPN FC that the Dutchman would cost the Red Devils £12 million in the January transfer window as Villa are holding out for that figure.
The move itself would not be surprising - Vlaar had an excellent tournament in Brazil and it was speculated that he would follow van Gaal to Old Trafford in August, but no official overtures were made. What is interesting this time is the magnitude of the transfer fee - Vlaar is 29 years old and will be out of contract at Villa at the end of the current season.
As Delaney says, Villa are well aware that they have the upper hand in the deal since top-level defenders are in short supply on the transfer market, while United are eager to shore up their defensive frailties after their inauspicious start to the season.
He also mentions Ryan Shawcross as a touted addition to van Gaal's rearguard, citing an unnamed ESPN source, despite a lack of movement from the club.
