Grant Holt still has future at Norwich City says agent

Both Payne and the Canaries remained tight-lipped last night over the outcome of a scheduled meeting with chief executive David McNally to thrash out a compromise solution following Holt's recent transfer request.

McNally confirmed over the weekend the club have no intention of selling the 15-goal Premier League striker after denying reports Holt's shock decision to quit was a result of stalled fresh contract talks. The 31-year-old is due to appear in Adam Drury's testimonial match against Celtic this evening with Payne reiterating money is not the sole factor behind Holt's frustrations.

'Why would he not want to stay? His family is here. He's had a tremendous time at the club, he is adored by lots of the fans,' he said. 'But things have to be done correctly and professionally and Grant just feels over the last couple of months some comments have been made and things have been said which have been very unfair.

'If they ever come out in the wash, I'm sure everybody will understand why he did what he did. It's not all about money. Obviously money comes into the scenario – it always does in football and I think players like to feel like they are being valued and being respected. There are a couple of issues Grant is not happy with and I think he feels that needs resolving.'

Payne also had a warning for the Norwich fans who have idolised Holt to wait until the full facts emerge before passing judgement.

'I felt it was only fair to speak up and say something because I've heard some comments that people have been making and I think it's very unfair when you are throwing out accusations and speculating on things when you don't know what's going on,' Payne told BBC Radio Norfolk.

'Maybe if some of this comes out in the wash then I think people will understand why he did what he did. You never know what's going on in someone's heart and in someone's mind. He is a fantastic professional; he doesn't make decisions like that on a whim.'