Feyenoord captain Stefan De Vrij admits he stays in regular touch with Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar.

De Vrij, a target for Liverpool and Arsenal, inherited the Feyenoord captaincy from Vlaar this season.

"I am now as high in the hierarchy as Ron, but can always count on him," said De Vrij. "We still have a lot of contact. He is happy that things are going so well for me."