Norwich City chief David McNally insists there’s no escape clause in their £8.5m deal with Sporting for striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

The Dutch striker’s agent sparked panic among the Canaries faithful yesterday when he said that the transfer depends on Norwich staying up.

But McNally described the reports as “absolute rubbish”.

It is unlikely that the Norwich board would be as keen to be tied into such a big investment if Chris Hughton’s side do go down, but Sporting are unlikely to have agreed to such a clause as they could lose millions if the deal was scrapped.

The former Utrecht striker won’t be short of suitors, if he does turn his nose up at a spell in the Championship, which could bring a season-long loan deal into the equation.

Agent Louis Laros has made sure his client’s name remains on the lists of some clubs by making the comments to Abola – whether they are based on fact or not.

“There is a special clause in the deal accepted by all parties that stipulates if Norwich leave the Premier League then the future of Ricky van Wolfswinkel will be open again,” he said.

“That is the reality, but we are confident in the ability of the English club to remain in the top division.

“For now Ricky is only thinking about Sporting and helping them to get results. At the end of the season, he will start to focus on Norwich.”

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