Blues boss Steve Bruce was rumoured to be interested in bringing the Chelsea right-back to St Andrew's although the player himself has said that if he moves from Stamford Bridge it will be to a club that are playing European football next season.
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has confirmed that his club are in negotiations with Chelsea about the possible signing of the Dutch international who has spent the past five seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Bruce now seems to have switched his attentions to Leeds Utd defender Danny Mills as he looks to bring in a recognised right back before the start of the new season. Leeds are looking to offload Mills because they cannot meet his reported £40,000-a-week salary although the problem is, not many Premiership sides outside of the top five can!