AZ bag defender

AZ Alkmaar have swooped to sign Icelandic defender Gretar Steinsson.

Kromkamp's departure to Villarreal this summer left a huge vacuum in Louis van Gaal's team and the Dutch tactician was left scouring the market for a replacement.

A host of names came under the microscope and he finally settled on Steinsson on deadline day.

The 23-year-old has been lured to Alkmaar from Swiss side Young Boys, having been handed a three-year deal with an option for a further two seasons.

Steinsson is relishing the prospect of aiding AZ both domestically and in Europe.

"It has been a hectic week," he told the club's website. "I am happy everything has worked out now.

"After I heard AZ was interested, I just wanted one thing and that was sealing a move to Alkmaar.

"AZ has amazed everyone with their offensive play, in the Netherlands as well in Europe. It makes me proud they wanted to sign me. And the last weeks they had some fine results in the league also.

"Also it's special for me to train under Louis van Gaal. He's well known all over the world, it looks fantastic to work with him.

"Furthermore there will soon be a fantastic new stadium. So there were enough reasons to choose AZ."