Manchester United have been handed a huge boost in their chase for Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar, after the player demanded double his current wages to stay at Villa Park, as reported by the Daily Star.

Vlaar has reportedly been identified by Louis van Gaal as an ideal solution to his defensive woes in January.

The rock solid defender’s contract with the Midlands club expires at the end of the current season, and Van Gaal is of the opinion that the player can be captured for a cut price fee.

Other clubs are interested, but the former Netherlands boss is thought to be at the head of the chasing pack.

Vlaar reportedly wants to double his wages, should he agree to stay at Villa Park, and this might be too much for his current side.

If he doesn’t agree a new deal by January, a £4 million move is thought to be enough to convince Villa into selling.

Manchester United are looking to solve their defensive problems by snapping up Aston Villa’s rock solid central defender Ron Vlaar in the January transfer window, as reported by the Daily Express.

Louis van Gaal has identified the Netherlands defender as the ideal option to improve his faulty back line.

With Vlaar’s contract set to expire in the summer, he will be available at a cut price figure, assuming that Villa cannot tempt him into extending his stay at the club.

Vlaar and Van Gaal have previous history together, with Vlaar having played for the Man Utd boss for the Dutch national side.

In fact, Vlaar played a key role in Van Gaal’s defence as his side reached the semi finals at the World Cup in Brazil this summer.

Due to Vlaar’s contract situation, Van Gaal believes that he could sign him for as little as £4 million in January, despite Villa’s desire to keep hold of the player.