Aston Villa close to sealing El Ahmadi signing

Published Nov 7, 2016

Last updated Jun 28, 2012

Aston Villa today remain on course to wrap up the signing of Feyenoord midfielder Karim El Ahmadi early next week.

It is understood the two clubs have yet to reach formal agreement on the fee for the player although sources in Holland revealed Feyenoord officials will meet with their Villa counterparts after the weekend to finalise the terms of a £3m deal.

El Ahmadi was absent from a training session in Rotterdam yesterday and Feyenoord coach Ronald Koeman said that the player's imminent departure was a "sporting loss" but one which was "financially good for the club".

El Ahmadi said:?"Villa is a top club. I will miss Feyenoord, but nobody will blame me I want to take this step.

"I am looking forward to playing against clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal."

Meanwhile, Marc Albrighton is looking forward to returning to pre-season training next week having recharged his batteries over the summer.

"I have so much enthusiasm going into this campaign. I can't wait for pre-season to start next week," he said.