Chelsea chase Holland - January 4, 2001
Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri is reported to be ready to make a bid for Republic of Ireland international midfielder Mattie Holland.
Ipswich captain Holland has become one of the stars of the Premiership and has been instrumental in his club's climb to a lofty position in England's top league. As an attacking midfielder there is none better in the English game because he is also able to defend.
A move to Chelsea would be a step back for the 26-year-old and it seems that no matter what Chelsea offer it is unlikely that he will be tempted. At Ipswich he is a big fish in a small pond but it would be the reverse at Stamford Bridge.
Matt's progression with Ipswich has led to international recognition with Mick McCarthy's Republic of Ireland team and, while he is third in the pecking order for a central-midfield position behind Manchester United captain Roy Keane and Charlton captain Mark Kinsella, he knows he has a job to fulfil.
He proved this when introduced off the bench against Portugal in Lisbon by scoring the equaliser in a brilliant 1-1 draw against the European Championship semi-finalists.
His best days are still to come in the green shirt but he knows that he needs to play week in, week out with his club for this to happen and there would be no guarantee of that at Chelsea.