Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is keeping an open mind with regard to club captain Ron Vlaar's situation, but is yet to open talks with the defender over a new contract.

Holland centre-back Vlaar, who impressed at this summer's World Cup, has been linked with various clubs of late, including Villa's Barclays Premier League rivals Southampton.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman, his compatriot, has been quoted by Dutch media as saying of the 29-year-old that he would "really like to have him at Southampton".

Vlaar has a year left on his current Villa deal, and when asked about the chances of the player signing a new contract with the Midlands outfit, Lambert said: "To be fair to Ron, he has not come to us or anything.

"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 tomorrow (Villa's Premier League opener at Stoke).

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

Then asked whether he thought Vlaar would remain loyal to Villa, Lambert replied: "I don't know.

"I'm not sure there is loyalty in football any more. So we'll have to wait and see. It will be entirely up to him."

Lambert will check the condition of both Vlaar and midfielder Joe Cole, who has missed a lot of pre-season due to injury after joining on a free transfer earlier in the summer, ahead of tomorrow's match but is optimistic both will be able to feature.

Lambert has also reported he could have strikers Christian Benteke and Libor Kozak available in "a few weeks" as they step up their rehabilitation from long-term injuries.

Another long-term absentee, defender Jores Okore, could be in line for his first competitive appearance since September 2013 having recovered from his knee problem.

There could also be comebacks for winger Charles N'Zogbia, out for all of last term with an Achilles injury, as well as defender Alan Hutton and striker Darren Bent, who have previously been exiled from the Villa first-team and out on loan.

Meanwhile, there was nothing new to report on Villa's pursuit of Elche's Colombia midfielder Carlos Sanchez.