Southampton and Portsmouth are the latest clubs to be linked with a summer move for Town skipper Matt Holland. With the close season only a few days old half the Premiership have been linked with the Irish international.

Both South coast clubs are reported to have spoken with Holland and his representatives, although no official bid has been made.

The Blues' captain was previously on the south coast when he was with Bournemouth and a return to the region may not be out of the question. Holland's wife Paula comes from the area and still has family nearby.

Bournemouth would profit from any move Holland makes, the Cherries receiving 25% of anything Town receive above the £800,000 they paid for the midfielder in the summer of 1997.

Joe Royle says he is keen to keep Holland but financial pressures may mean he has to let him leave.

Royle has made a goalkeeper a priority and the latest names mentioned in connection with the Blues are Birmingham's Ian Bennett and West Ham's Raimond van der Gouw. Both keepers are out of contract although Bennett looks set to sign a new deal at St Andrew's.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls