TWTD has learnt that Fulham are likely to emerge as favourites to clinch the signature of Town skipper Matt Holland when he returns from holiday. The Blues' captain is currently away with his family after helping Ireland to the second round of the World Cup.

Since the World Cup several clubs have shown serious interest in the Holland including the Cottagers, Middlesbrough, Manchester City, Everton and Italian side Torino.

If Holland does decide to leave Portman Road then he and his family, very much settled in East Anglia, are thought to favour a move to a London club.

Fulham were first reported to be interested in the 28-year-old early last month and during the World Cup Fulham's new Director of Football, Franco Baresi, praised Holland's Irish performances in the Italian press.

A fee of around £8 million is likely to be acceptable to Town with the midfielder's former club, AFC Bournemouth, also benefiting from the move. The Cherries will take 25% of any profit Town make on the £800,000 they paid the Dean Court club back in the summer of 1997.

With manager George Burley also on holiday at present no move looks likely until he and Holland return to Portman Road. Burley returns from Monte Carlo next week while Holland is expected to join up with the Town squad for the pre-season tour of Denmark in mid-July.

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