Aston Villa have agreed a œ4m fee with Ipswich for the Republic of Ireland midfielder Matt Holland but the move could be scuppered by the player’s personal demands.

Ipswich confirmed yesterday they had “most reluctantly” agreed to sell their captain, and are keen to complete the deal to ease financial problems caused by relegation.

“I got a call from George Burley this morning saying that the fee had been accepted,” Holland said.

“I understand the reason why so I now have a decision to make.

“I will go home and talk it through with my family and decide what is best. But I do understand the situation.”

Holland is reproted to earn œ22,000 a week at Ipswich and there is no guarantee that Villa will be able to improve on that figure.

Furthermore, the player’s desire for a move to Villa Park will hardly have been increased by remarks made earlier this week by Villa boss Graham Taylor.

Taylor described the club as being “like a minefield” and blighted by “hidden agendas”.