Ashton sticks with Canaries

Norwich striker Dean Ashton has turned his back on a move back to the Barclays Premiership and signed a one-year extension to his contract.

With the transfer deadline approaching, the England U21 international had been linked with a big-money move to Manchester City or Wigan.

But the 21-year-old, who joined the Canaries for £4m (€5.9m) from Crewe in January and almost fired them to Premiership survival last season, is confident the club can provide the right platform for his career.

“I feel my ambition is matched by Norwich City Football Club,” said Ashton after extending his contract to June 2009, with a further option for another year.

“By signing an extension to my contract I feel our shared ambition is clearly demonstrated.

“I’m very happy here and I am delighted to continue working with Nigel Worthington, his coaching staff and my team-mates to push on now and try to achieve promotion back to the Premier League with Norwich.”

Ashton was speaking at a press conference at Carrow Road this afternoon which was also attended by City boss Nigel Worthington and chairman Roger Munby.

Worthington said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Dean has committed his future to Norwich City Football Club. It shows we are a very ambitious club and not just a selling club.

“It also shows clearly our intentions for the way ahead: to be promoted back to the Premier League.”