Norwich City reject transfer request from Aston Villa target Wes Hoolahan

Villa's hunt for Wes Hoolahan took another twist today after the Norwich midfielder slapped in a transfer request.

The Canaries immediately rejected the midfielder's demand as he tries to force a move away from Carrow Road.

Hoolahan is believed to be keen to link up with Paul Lambert again after three years under the Scot in Norfolk.

Villa had bid around £750,000 for the 31-year-old Ireland international earlier this month – but Norwich are refusing to do business.

Hoolahan said: "Following a meeting with the club chief executive, I felt I had no option but to hand in a 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."

There is still bitterness from Norwich over the way Lambert left to join Villa in 2012 – which led to Lambert and the Canaries threatening to sue each other.

But Hoolahan does not look to be in boss Chris Hughton's long-term plans and has not played since Villa made their initial offer at the start of the month.

The club confirmed Hoolahan's transfer request but insisted they do not want to sell.

"City can confirm Irish international midfielder Wes Hoolahan has today submitted a transfer request which has been rejected," a statement read.

"The board of Norwich City has stated clearly no senior players will be sold against the club's wishes and Hoolahan, 31, is contracted to the club until June 2015. The club will make no further comment."

Hughton has said his focus is on bringing players in.