Norwich City have rejected a transfer request from Wes Hoolahan, but he remains determined to leave before the end of the month.
The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland ace has been a key player for the Canaries since his arrival from Blackpool in 2008, and has made 33 Premier League appearances in both the last two seasons. However, he will not repeat this tally this time round, having figured in just nine of their opening 22 matches thus far.
This has inevitably led to speculation over his future, and former Carrow Road boss Paul Lambert wants to add him to his squad at Aston Villa. Hoolahan has handed in a transfer request in an attempt to engineer a move to the Midlands, but this has been blocked by his employers for whom he is under contract until 2015.
However, the midfielder has released a statement to reiterate his desire to seek pastures new before the window slams shut on 31 January. He will no doubt hope this will prompt an offer from Lambert, who is in desperate need for some extra quality as he looks to pull Villa away from relegation trouble.
“Following a meeting with the club chief executive, I felt I had no option but to hand in transfer request, I have noted that request has been turned down – however I believe it is in the best interest of Norwich, for whom I have the greatest respect, and myself that I am allowed to move on and play my football elsewhere,” Hoolahan, in a statement issued to Sky Sports, stated on Wednesday morning.
