​Ex-Villa defender Vlaar joins AZ Alkmaar on short term deal

Former Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar has agreed to rejoin AZ Alkmaar on a deal until the end of the season.

The Netherlands defender left Villa in the summer after rejecting the offer of a new contract and subsequently underwent knee surgery.

AZ director of football Max Huiberts said: "We are very pleased with the capture of Ron Vlaar. He gives our selection a huge quality boost.

"I do not need to explain what are his strengths, which everyone can see the last few seasons. Last year he was a driving force behind the success of [the Netherlands] at the World Cup.

"Mentally Ron brings a lot. His presence can boost both the performance of the team and the development of other players. "