Chris Hughton claims Wes Hoolahan 'reported injury', denies Aston Villa bid link

Norwich City manager Chris Hughton has dismissed suggestions that Wes Hoolahan's absence from his squad for Saturday's 1-1 FA Cup third-round home draw against Fulham was due to a £1.5m bid from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Reports in the Midlands on Friday night claimed that former City boss Paul Lambert had made an enquiry for the Dubliner, but Hughton revealed Hoolahan had reported an unspecified injury concern on the eve of the Carrow Road game, in which Robert Snodgrass cancelled out Darren Bent's opener.

Hughton told reporters after the match: "Wes reported an injury yesterday. At this moment he is having treatment. It is nothing to do with being linked to other clubs.

"Has there been a bid? Not that I am aware of, absolutely not."

Both teams are still in the hat for the FA Cup fourth round, but must replay the tie at Craven Cottage the week after next.