If initial reports are to be believed, Aston Villa have placed a £4.2 million bid for Town's Irish international midfielder Matt Holland.

Town have yet to confirm or deny the report, but one would hope they are in a position to turn down any first bid in an attempt to improve the offer.

However, after Hermann Hreidarsson turned down the Baggies yesterday, it leaves the club more vulnerable and more desperate for the cash.

With only two fit midfielders, Graham Taylor will be looking to add to his squad after selling Paul Merson to Portsmouth and George Boateng to Middlesbrough, although they are also reported to be interested in Bruges' Belgium international midfielder Timmy Simons.

Villa have been accused of having a lack of ambition by defender Alpay who put in a transfer request yesterday after his hefty 50% wage increase request was turned down.

With the start of the Premiership only days away, Taylor will be very keen to improve his midfield.

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