Norwich City have brusquely shrugged off reports that several Premier League clubs are taking an interest in captain Grant Holt ahead of the coming transfer window.

West Ham, Wigan, Bolton and Blackpool were all said, on Sky Sports yesterday, to be casting envious glances in the 29-year-old's direction.

But their speculation was dismissively brushed away last by a six-word Norwich City statement which said simply: 'Grant Holt is not for sale.'

Holt, who is thought to have 18 months left to run on his contract, has been in sparkling form recently, plundering five goals in his last three games, including a hat-trick against Ipswich last month.

He has been a revelation since signing for the club from Shrewsbury in the summer of 2009 and played a key role in the club's promotion from League One.

The striker formed a deadly partnership with Chris Martin last season, scoring 24 goals to help the team cruise to the title and has carried on from where he left off.

Many commentators questioned whether he could make the grade in the Championship but, after overcoming a thigh injury which robbed him of much of the pre-season, Holt hasn't looked back.

It is therefore perhaps no surprise that Premier League clubs have started to take notice of his exploits.

But manager Paul Lambert recently made it clear that as soon as Norwich consider themselves safe from relegation they will 'have to go for it' in the transfer market – and losing his principle goalscorer will not play any part of that grand plan.