Town midfielder Martijn Reuser is set for talks with Dutch side Willem II. The Tilburg club's interest in the Blues' one-time Holland international was initially reported back in April.

Willem II technical coach Gerard Wielaert told the Dutch press on Tuesday that “preliminary talks” will begin soon and confirmed his club's interest in the 29-year-old: “He is a target, but we have not yet spoken with him.”

Reuser, available on a free transfer, has another year left on his contract at Portman Road but the Blues are keen to rid themselves of his high wage.

Along with top earner Pablo Couñago and apparently exiting striker Marcus Bent, Reuser still has a contract signed during the Premiership years which is a big financial burden on a Division One club.

The former Ajax and Vitesse Arnhem man has become a perennial substitute of late, rarely impressing when playing a full 90 minutes. Towards the end of last season he said he wanted to leave Portman Road in order to start more games.

Reuser, who joined Town permanently in June 2000 from Vitesse Arnhem for £1 million after a loan spell in which he scored in the play-off final at Wembley, is likely to have to take a big pay-cut if he joins Willem II or any similarly sized Dutch club. Last season Willem II finished seventh in the the Eredivisie — Holland's top league.

The freekick expert has also been linked with FC Twente but Willem II look to be the favourites for his signature should he decide to leave Town and forgo the last year of his highly lucrative £10,000-a-week-plus deal.

Since signing on loan at Town in March 2000, Reuser has made 114 appearances (61 as sub) and has scored 19 goals.

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