Paul Lambert has admitted that he is "a bit annoyed" that Ron Vlaar's agent has suggested that the defender could leave Aston Villa at the end of the season.
The captain is out of contract in the summer, and had been linked with a number of other clubs during this summer's transfer window.
The manager told BBC Sport: "We have been speaking with Ron and the message from his agent was thanks but no thanks.
"I'd love to keep him. We've put our foot forward and I'm a bit annoyed the agent says the ball is in our court. [Vlaar has] been great, [we've had] good dialogue with him but I don't think you can do what [agent Arnold Oosterveer] did.
"The options are open for Ron because he's in his last year, but I don't think you should air your views, especially when they're not true. All you can do is your best to try and keep him. We are trying our best on that front."
The Dutch international joined Villa from Feyenoord in 2012.
Sian Cowper
