Everton, Norwich and Sunderland rocked as ex-Aston Villa star signs deal at former club

Ron Vlaar has signed a short-term deal at AZ Alkmaar

RON VLAAR has signed a contract running to the end of the season with his first club AZ Alkmaar.

 

The 30-year-old had been training with AZ after seeing out his contract at Aston Villa in the summer and has now committed his immediate future to the Eredivisie club.

The news is likely to come as a blow to Premier League trio Everton, Norwich and Sunderland, who were all linked with a move for the Netherlands international.

 

The centre-half's bid to find a new club has been been delayed after undergoing knee surgery, which has kept him out of action for eight months.

AZ sporting director Max Huiberts said on the deal: "We are very pleased with our capture of Ron Vlaar.

 

Ron Vlaar started his career at AZ Alkmaar

"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."