Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is confident that he can retain the services of defender Ron Vlaar beyond the summer.

The Dutchman returned from the World Cup in Brazil with a heightened reputation after helping the Netherlands to a third-place finish in the tournament.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has reportedly identified the 29-year-old as an ideal replacement for Dejan Lovren, but Lambert expects that his skipper - whose contract expires next summer - will stay at Villa Park.

"To be fair to Ron, he has not come to us or anything," he told reporters.

"We have had little chats here and there, but I think his main concern was getting back after the World Cup, getting fit and hopefully being ready for Saturday.

"That is where he has been. I have a good rapport with Ron, so I don't have any problem with that whatsoever."

Villa kick off their Premier League campaign with a trip to Stoke City on Saturday.