Norwich City's record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel is poised to return to his parent club in the summer following reports in France that St Etienne have opted not to take up their buy-out option in the Dutch international.
The 26-year-old has scored six goals in 31 appearances since joining the Greens on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent move, negotiated by the Canaries as part of his original switch to France ahead of the current campaign.
Respected French sports newspaper L'Équipe reported on Thursday St Etienne have now elected not to exercise his buy-out clause. Club President Roland Romeyer recently announced the Greens' entire summer transfer budget will be less that the reported 6m Euros buy-out figure for van Wolfswinkel.
The striker officially moved to Norwich City in July 2013 after agreeing a four year contract for a reported £7.5m deal following a prolific spell in Portgual at Sporting Lisbon.
Van Wolfswinkel scored on his Premier League debut for the Canaries in a 2-2 draw against Everton - but that was his only senior goal for the club in 27 appearances for Norwich during an injury-hit first season in English football.
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