91Èȱ¬

Norwich City have rejected a transfer request from striker Grant Holt.

The 31-year-old was on target 17 times this season in all competitions and was the Premier League's second-highest English marksman with 15 goals.

Norwich have refused to confirm that the former Nottingham Forest forward has asked to leave the club.

But 91Èȱ¬ Radio Norfolk has learned of his surprise request, which comes after three years at Carrow Road in which he has helped them into the top flight.

He is expected to take part in team-mate Adam Drury's testimonial against Celtic on Tuesday.

Former Canaries winger Darren Huckerby told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Norfolk: "It's a strange one. Nobody is going to look good coming out of this.

"I hope it gets sorted out and I hope he stays. I hope his reputation at Norwich is not tarnished by this.

"He's had one good season in the Premier League. We've all had good seasons in the Premier League. He's been brilliant for Norwich but it's one season."

Holt joined the club when they were in League One, helping them win back-to-back promotions, and has finished as Norwich's top scorer every season, netting 70 goals in 130 appearances.

His form this term had led to speculation he could feature in Roy Hodgson's England squad for this summer's European Championships.

The powerful striker was not included, although team-mate John Ruddy was selected as one of Hodgson's three goalkeepers for the tournament.

Holt, who has two years to run on his Norwich contract, was brought to the club by Bryan Gunn, the predecessor to current manager Paul Lambert.

He after spells with Halifax, Barrow, Sheffield Wednesday, Rochdale and Forest.

The future of Lambert has also been subject to speculation after the Scot guided the Canaries to mid-table security in their first Premier League campaign for seven seasons.

He had been strongly connected to the vacant Aston Villa post, but the Midlands club are in talks with former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.