Melbourne Heart are reportedly interested in signing Norwich City captain Grant Holt.

The Brisbane Times has reported that Heart have put in a formal request to negotiate with Holt.

The 32-year-old striker has played football in Australia before - Halfiax Town loaned Holt to Perth state league club Sorrento for one month in 2001.

There has been plenty of speculation among City fans over whether their hero will move on come the summer, especially as his wife and children are back living in Carlisle.

But Holt is adamant his personal and professional situations are not inextricably linked: 'A lot of people talk about the family thing and it's a decision that was made between me and my wife and family, and that was it.

'I've always said my family comes first and I don't want to take my kids all over the country, and they are at the age where they are starting school.

'But that's got no bearing on my football career. Only the manager and the people upstairs will know if they want me to be here next year. I've got my contract and we will see how it goes from there.'

Chris Hughton has insisted that Grant Holt remains a key player for Norwich City.

The City boss said: 'Probably it is not my responsibility to say anything because I haven't made any comment on that subject. What I have seen is press speculation.

'Grant is a player who signed a new contract in the summer and he has two years left. I might be wrong but I believe he started more games this season than last season so this is someone who has been right in there playing games. Anything you read or hear is speculation because for me it is not an issue.'