Brett Holman set to spark clear out at Aston Villa
Midfielder Brett Holman was today set to spark an Aston Villa clear out after Al Nasr claimed he was ready to move to Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates club have said the midfielder was jetting in for a medical to complete a move to the Persian Gulf.
Talks are on-going between the clubs with Holman poised to leave just 12 months after joining Villa.
The 29-year-old has repeatedly stated he would be prepared to quit to safeguard his World Cup hopes, with Australia having qualified for Brazil 2014.
And the move would be mutually beneficial to Villa as boss Paul Lambert rebuilds with five new arrivals, including the signing of Antonio Luna yesterday.
Holman would join the growing contingent of Australia stars in the Gulf, with Alex Brosque and Dino Djulbic playing in the Pro League and Mark Bresciano at Qatari club Al Gharafa.
And the move will receive the blessing from Socceroos boss Holger Osciek, who has been impressed with the impact his players have made in the Gulf.
Holman joined on a free from AZ Alkmaar after being signed by former boss Alex McLeish last year, but fell out of favour in the second half of the season.
He made 17 starts and 12 substitute appearances but failed to start a game after the 1-0 defeat to Southampton in January.
Villa need to trim the squad and Holman would be the start of a cull with Darren Bent, Shay Given, Barry Bannan and Stephen Ireland expected to leave.
Richard Dunne, Eric Lichaj and goalkeeper Andy Marshall have all been released, while Jean Makoun joined Rennes after a loan spell and loanee Simon Dawkins returned to Tottenham.
Charles N'Zogbia's future is also in doubt and the midfielder could miss the start of the season – after suffering a foot injury on holiday.
The Frenchman has struggled to justify his £9.5million fee since a 2011 move from Wigan and will be assessed when the players report back on July 1.
