Villa and Ipswich agree fee for Holland

Holland - Villian?
By Paul Holmes
August 21 2002

Matt Holland looks set to leave Ipswich Town for Premiership Aston Villa after the two clubs agreed a fee for the midfielder.

Holland is on international duty with the Republic of Ireland but will open talks with Villa boss Graham Taylor upon his return.

Villa have lost midfielders Paul Merson and George Boateng in the summer and Taylor sees Holland as ideal for his team.

The fee is thought to be around the £4million mark whilst Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks told the clubs official site that the sale was not easy, but required following relegation from the Premier League. "We have most reluctantly agreed a fee with Aston Villa for Matt Holland. It is the consequence of relegation at a time that the football market is depressed.

"Since our relegation we undertook to inform Matt of any Premiership interest. He will meet with Aston Villa on his return to the UK and his agent is already in discussions with them.

"As agonising and painful as this decision has been for the directors, George Burley and myself, this sale was a necessity and it helps to stabilise our financial position.

"I know all supporters will share our dismay at having to part with such a special player. However, I warned in the middle of last season, and on many occasions since, of the serious consequences of relegation for our club."

It is not thought that George Burley will recieve any of the money for transfers.