Norwich deny Hoolahan has submitted transfer request

Norwich chief executive David McNally insists the club have not received any transfer requests following claims that Wes Hoolahan is seeking a move to Aston Villa.

The Republic of Ireland playmaker has seen his first-team opportunities limited under manager Chris Hughton, who took charge at Carrow Road following Paul Lambert's departure in the summer of 2012.

Hoolahan was a key member of Lambert’s squad which secured back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, and there had been reports Lambert was keen to bring the 31-year-old to Villa Park in a bid to rejuvenate his team’s season.

Despite newspaper reports claiming that Hoolahan has asked for a transfer, McNally insists no player has lodged a formal request to leave.

Speaking on the club’s website, McNally said: “The club’s focus is on improving the squad during this transfer window. As we have always said, no players will be sold against our will.

“We have received no transfer requests this season and have no intention of releasing any of our senior players.

“Our focus this January, as with every transfer window, is very much on improving the squad.”