Beleagured Norwich boss Chris Hughton has rubbished suggestions that Irish international midfielder Wes Hoolahan will be allowed to leave Carrow Road this January, according to Irish state broadcaster RT. The 31-year-old midfielder was the subject of interest from former boss and current Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert, but Hughton has stated firmly that the player wont be allowed to leave this transfer window. The former Irish international said this when questioned about a possible Hoolahan departure;
At the moment our concentration is on can we add to the squad, can we improve the squad, not on letting players go out. We've had a few injuries especially in midfield, and then Michael Turner will be out for a while as well. We are trying as hard as we can (to sign players) the same as everybody else, but January is a notoriously bad time to bring in players. But they also have to be right for the club.
The denial follows a similar outburst by the club chairman David McNally, confirming the club do not wish to part with the influential midfielder. There is bad blood between Norwich and Aston Villa over the departure of Paul Lambert, and the animosity between the two clubs may be a factor in Norwich's steadfast stance.