Town skipper Matt Holland says that the deal taking him to Villa is still by no means dead. While George Burley appeared to indicate on Thursday that there was now no chance of the move taking place, Holland, his agent Jonathan Barnett and Villa have all suggested that further discussions will take place.
Holland wrote in his Independent on Sunday column (http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/comment/story.jsp?story=327309) today: "I landed back in England on Thursday and my agent talked me through the offer and we decided I had to reject it.
"This comes under the huge umbrella of "personal terms", which covers money, length of contract, the role a manager wants you to fill, the need to move a family and children and the relative ambition of the two clubs.
"That does not mean a move will not happen, but is part of the process of both sides trying to find a package acceptable to each.
"Now, my family is hugely important in my decision-making process and I need them to be happy and settled to go out on the pitch and do my best.
"Paula has from the very beginning said I must make the decision that is right for me and whatever I decide, she and the two boys will support me.
"Sam, the youngest, thinks a move is brilliant, but he has decided on Bermuda, where we went on holiday after the World Cup. Despite that, I still have to consider them in making my final decision.
"Graham Taylor phoned me on Thursday night and spoke to me for roughly 45 minutes about the club, my football and ambition and his football and ambition, and he told me that he really wanted me but he understood the factors that I had to consider. It was a fantastic chat that impressed me hugely. Now I must decide what to do.
"Today I will sit down with Paula and go through every aspect that affects the decision. Both Villa and Ipswich are great clubs and both managers are top-class."
Elsewhere in the papers today Fulham have again been linked with a move for Holland. TWTD reported interest from the Cottagers earlier in the summer, something later confirmed by Holland's agent Barnett.
However, if they are seriously interested then it is likely they will have to offer more than the £3 million reported this morning.