TWTD understands that Aston Villa have firmed up their interest in Town skipper Matt Holland and the two clubs are currently involved in talks regarding his future. At the weekend, Villa manager Graham Taylor revealed he was negotiating with a number of players and it seems Holland is his main priority.

Taylor has been keeping an eye on Holland for some while now, taking in Town's recent win at Walsall. He has made little secret of his desire to add to his depleted midfield, saying at the weekend: “I'm going to have to bring someone in. I'm not just going to sign a midfielder just for the sake of a midfielder.

"I know the time is getting closer and closer. There are names, and I am negotiating with more than one, we have to keep our options alive in two or three situations."

Last week it was reported that Villa had bid £4.2 million for Holland, a story denied by the player and the club, but with the end of the transfer window edging closer Villa are keen to get their man for a figure, we believe, to be around the £4.5 million mark.

David Sheepshanks and George Burley have consistently said that Holland is the player they would least like to see leave Portman Road. However, with money desperately required to meet the shortfall, the Blues are not in a position to turn down realistic offers, as was the case last week when West Brom came in for Hermann Hreidarsson, the Icelander eventually deciding against a move.

Holland travelled to Helsinki with the Irish squad on Monday ahead of their Wednesday friendly with Finland.

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