AZ put faith in Finnish talents

AZ Alkmaar have invested in the future by signing 18-year-old Finnish starlets Joona Toivio and Toni Kolehmainen.

Identical deals
Louis van Gaal's side, who are currently third in the Eredivisie and will play Fenerbahçe SK in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 next month, have awarded both players an initial two-and-a-half year contract with the option for a further two seasons. Toivio, an 18-year-old defender, joins from HJK Helsinki while midfielder Kolehmainen helped AC Oulu to promotion to the Finnish top flight last season having previously spent time in England with Blackburn Rovers FC. The players, who will sign the contracts upon arrival in Alkmaar next week, will initially join the youth and reserve teams at the Dutch club.