Aussie wide-man on his way to Villa Park.

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Australia winger Brett Holman to join Aston Villa in the summer

Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Australia international Brett Holman from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar this summer.
The 27-year-old winger, who has won 53 caps, was named as Australia’s football writers’ Player of the Year for 2011.
Holman, who joined Eredivisie leaders Alkmaar in 2008, will sign on a free transfer when his contract expires.
“I am delighted to have agreed terms with Aston Villa. I am looking forward to joining up with the team in the summer,” said Holman.
“Villa have a long and prestigious history in English football and a fantastic set of fans.”

SOURCE: BBC Sport

Alex McLeish could well do with more creativity in his attack and a move to sign AZ Alkmaar winger Brett Holman is a wise, and inexpensive, one given that the 27 year old won’t cost Aston Villa a penny. The Australian international can play on either flank or indeed as a second striker, which is a role he fills for his Dutch Eredivisie side.

Holman is in his fourth season at the AFAS Stadion and he has helped his AZ side to the top of the table where they sit three points clear of a resurgent Ajax side and a further point ahead of FC Twente, PSV and Heerenveen in a congested title race.

The Sydney born attacker has been plying his trade in Holland for nine years and has notched up 76 goals and 55 assists during this period and is considered one of the most consistent players in the Eredivisie.

Aston Villa have struggled for form this term and that has been in the main down to a lack of cutting edge up front which has resulted in just 31 goals scored in 28 fixtures this season, though last weekend’s last gasp win over Fulham leaves the Midlands side 11 points clear of the drop zone.

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