Villa secure Holman

Australia midfielder Brett Holman has agreed to join Aston Villa once his contract with Dutch Eredivise leaders AZ Alkmaar expires in June.

The 27-year-old winger has caught the eye with a number of impressive performances domestically and in the Europa League this season.

“I am looking forward to joining up with the team in the summer,” Holman said.

“Villa have a long and prestigious history in English football and a fantastic set of fans.”

The wide player has been capped 53 times by his country, and was the only player to feature in every qualifier for the Socceroos during the 2010 World Cup.

He also won the 2011 Australian Football Media Association’s Player of the Year, and Alex McLeish is hoping he will add some experience and intelligence to the Villa squad.

“Brett is very intelligent and a great team player,” McLeish said.

“He has international experience and he has played in the Champions League and at European level for the past few years. He will add significantly to the experience in the Villa squad.”