Norwich's club-record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel is adamant he has not taken a backward step in his career swapping Sporting Lisbon for Norfolk.

The 24-year-old striker officially completes his move from Sporting Lisbon on July 1 after he has featured in Holland's upcoming Far East tour with friendlies against Indonesia and China.

The Dutch predator plundered 38 goals in 50 appearances during a prolific two-year spell in Portugal and van Wolfswinkel is adamant his Carrow Road move is the perfect next career step.

He said: 'Some people may see my transfer as a step back. But the Premier League is bigger than the Portuguese league. Life is good in Portugal, but the football has to be on a certain level too. Sporting ended this season as seventh in the league. The club has not won prizes for many years. Sporting remains a big club of course, but especially because of its history.

'Norwich is a small club compared to Sporting, but also a friendly club with a beautiful stadium and good fans. That suits me. The manager said I will be his number one striker. I know I have to battle for it, but it's always good to get the confidence.'

The imminent arrival of van Wolfswinkel has led to renewed speculation this week on the future of club captain Grant Holt with A-League side Melbourne Heart making an initial enquiry.

Heart's CEO Scott Munn revealed on Friday his club may renew their initial interest over the summer.

He said: 'We made an approach and we always knew that it would be made public and that with him being contracted for two more years it might be complicated. We haven't closed the door on it as yet and will be pursuing it.'