Ipswich midfielder Matt Holland could be on his way to Premiership side Aston Villa after both clubs agreed a fee, thought to be in the region of £4million, for the Republic of Ireland midfielder today.
Ipswich midfielder Matt Holland could be on his way to Premiership side Aston Villa after both clubs agreed a fee, thought to be in the region of £4million, for the Republic of Ireland midfielder today.
Holland, 28, is currently in Helsinki on international duty and will discuss the possibility of moving to Villa Park when he returns from Finland.
"My agent called me to inform me that the recent rumours were true and that the club had had discussions with Villa and agreed a fee," he said on his personal website, www.matthollandweb.com.
"Unfortunately although I know the club does not want to sell me, the reality of the balance sheet is that money needs to be raised."
Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks has blamed the economic disaster which accompanied the club's relegation from the Premiership for the reluctant decision to sell Holland.
"We have most reluctantly agreed a fee with Aston Villa for Matt Holland," said Sheepshanks." It is the consequence of relegation at a time that the football market is depressed.
"As agonising and painful as this decision has been for the directors, George Burley and myself this sale was a necessity and it helps to stabilise our financial position.
"I know all supporters will share our dismay at having to part with such a special player, however, I warned in the middle of last season and on many occasions since of the serious consequences of relegation for our club.
PA