Former Aston Villa defender Vlaar returns to AZ

Former Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar has signed a contract running to the end of the season with his first club AZ Alkmaar.

Return . . . Vlaar is on his way back to AZ Source: Getty Images

The 30 year-old had been training with AZ after rejecting a new deal with Villa in the summer and he has now committed his immediate future to the Eredivisie club, subject to passing a medical.

"We are very pleased with our capture of Ron Vlaar," AZ sporting director Max Huiberts said.

"He gives our squad a huge boost of quality. I don't need to explain what his strengths are. Everybody has seen them over the last few seasons.

"Last year he was a driving force behind the success of Holland at the World Cup. His presence can boost both the performance of the team and the development of other players."

Centre-back Vlaar joined Feyenoord from AZ in 2006 and moved on to Villa six years, and over 100 appearances, later.

Despite the fact he replaced Stiliyan Petrov as captain, injuries put paid to much of his time at Villa Park but he did manage 34 outings in all competitions during the 2013-14 campaign.

AZ, who are coached by John van den Brom, are currently 10th in the Eredivisie table.