Last updated at 11:52, Monday, 21 May 2012

Grant Holt is locked in a stand-off with Norwich after the Carlisle-born top-flight striker had a transfer request rejected by the Carrow Road club.

Grant Holt

Holt’s shock move on Friday has put rival Premier League clubs on alert, with Sunderland and Aston Villa said to be among the frontman’s admirers.

But sources close to Holt have insisted that no other club is involved in the dispute, leading to suggestions that the Cumbrian is pushing for a better deal with Norwich.

The 31-year-old and his agent are reportedly set for talks with the club today.

Holt fired 17 goals in all competitions last season and was the second-highest English scorer in the Premier League behind Wayne Rooney.

Norwich chief executive David McNally confirmed on Twitter that the club had “immediately” rejected Holt’s transfer request.

The striker has two years to run on his current deal.

• Steve Bruce now leads the betting for the vacant manager’s job at Hull. The former Sunderland chief is 2/1 with some bookmakers for a post which has also seen Blues boss Greg Abbott linked.

Carlisle have insisted they have not received any formal approach from the Championship club, who are expected to step up their search this week.

First published at 11:26, Monday, 21 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk