Ipswich and Republic of Ireland midfielder Matt Holland has emerged as a target for Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor.
Holland is seen by Taylor as a possible replacement in his depleted midfield for the now departed George Boateng and Paul Merson.
Taylor currently only has three midfielders at his disposal in Thomas Hitzlsperger, Lee Hendrie and veteran Ian Taylor, with the new Premiership season only 10 days away.
The Villa chief has confirmed he has made an inquiry for Holland who is also understood to be attracting the interest of West Brom.
Holland, one of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup stars, had looked set to move to Fulham but the deal fell through.
Taylor admitted: "We have made an enquiry but it has gone no further." Villa are also being strongly linked with Millwall midfielder Tim Cahill but the fact Holland has Premiership pedigree makes him an attractive commodity for Taylor.
Ipswich have financial problems following their relegation from the top flight but they will have to give 25% of any profit made on Holland to his previous club Bournemouth.
Taylor's need to strengthen in the centre of the park Boateng's £5million departure to Middlesbrough and Merson's move to Portsmouth on a free transfer.
PA