Norwich City may be forgiven for thinking it's Groundhog Day, starring Wes Hoolahan and Paul Lambert, as rumours surface of yet more interest from Aston Villa in the Canaries midfielder.

Hoolahan was the subject of a failed bid in January and a change of management at Carrow Road has done little to keep the Irishman out of the headines, with the 32-year-old seemingly keen to sever his connections with the club.

Villa Park would appear to be his first port of call and their claims will be strengthened this week should Roy Keane be appointed as Lambert's number two at Villa. Keane is assistant to Martin O'Neill in the Republic of Ireland set-up, and the pair of them have been quick to embrace Hoolahan's undoubted talents.

They are currently on tour in America, but the Daily Star claim Keane's appointment alongside Lambert will be confirmed upon their return this week – and job number one would appear to be Get Hoolahan.

There are one or two stumbling blocks: there is no doubt that City's relationship with Villa isn't as healthy as it perhaps once was. Plus, City are under no pressure to sell, certainly not financially.

There is little doubt that Hoolahan would have his suitors - promoted Leicester are reported to be waiting in the wings should Villa's bid fail.

Reports claim the asking price is £2m – but that is likely to be a generous estimate.

Meanwhile, it looks like goalkeeper Declan Rudd is on his way back to City after a season-long loan with League One side Preston North End.

Rudd, 23, made 55 appearances for Preston last season, helping them into the play-offs semi-finals.

With Carlo Nash having been released, City boss Neil Adams has Rudd, last season's number two Mark Bunn and first choice John Ruddy at his disposal – so the battle for the youngster may be to win the back-up slot.

Meanwhile, the Sunday People yesterday claimed City were interested in signing Leeds striker Ross McCormack.