The Metro have been reporting that Aston Villa will offer Ciaran Clark a new contract as Ron Vlaar looks more likely to leave Aston Villa. Vlaar who is out of contract in July has still not signed a new deal, despite being offered a new contract almost two weeks ago. Vlaar has been linked with moves to Southampton, Sunderland and some overseas clubs during that time period.
Clark is rated by Sherwood, after a fantastic campaign and likes that fact that Clark is an aggressive, tough tackling defender. Clark’s contract is expiring in 12 months and West Brom were rumoured to be considering a £4 million bid for the Irish defender.
This would be fantastic business. Clark has improved a lot and he is starting to enter that age where he will become the experienced centre-back in the defence. Clark has a good partnership with Okore and graduated the youth academy with Nathan Baker. I can see Clark being our defender for several years with many fans believing that he is better than Vlaar. A good move all around, even if Vlaar does end up staying, offering a contract to Clark should be high on Sherwood’s priority list.
Clark is one of the few players at Villa that I would be sorry to see go. Vlaar cannot lead a back four, however good his personal performance is, and for much of last season he was guilty of high profile errors. Clark I suspect is a natural leader and it won’t surprise me if he is made captain if Delph departs.
It would be an absolute tradgedy if Clark were to leave. Statistically he proved to be the most consistent defender last season and only for injury towards the end of the season may well have picked up the ‘Player of the Year’ award. He bleeds Claret & Blue and his die hard attitude and improvement last season finally started to win us long suffering fans over and we pray he has a big future to play at Villa! We need 10 more players with Ciaran’s attitude & desire out there on the pitch with him!!!!!