Aston Villa say they have offered Matt Holland "a significant increase to his current deal" and add that they will continue discussions with the Blues' captain.

Villa's Deputy Chief Executive, Mark Ansell, said: "Matt currently has a contract with Ipswich for this, and three further seasons, which he negotiated whilst Ipswich were still in the Premiership and is therefore based on Premiership rates.

"Although we have offered a significant increase to his current deal, it appears that, at this stage, the financial security he already enjoys, coupled with the quality of life for himself and his family in East Anglia, is a major influence in his deliberations.

"We will be talking again with his agent, but, at this stage, Matt's considerations are based around personal issues outside of football rather than financial matters."

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