Nigel Worthington wished Dean Ashton all the best for his career with West Ham, but focussed on the future for the club his record signing leaves behind.
"We're always committed to trying to keep our best players at the Club," said the boss, "but the size of today's bid coupled with Dean's desire to make the move happen meant that after talking it through with the Board and the lad himself we've decided to accept this offer.
"If the move does go through, I'd like to place on record my thanks to Dean for his contribution and his professionalism during his time at Norwich and wish him all the very best in his future career. Meanwhile our round-the-clock efforts to strengthen our squad for the crucial months ahead continue."
Fans will be hoping that rumours about the possible purchase of Cardiff City star Cameron Jerome come true. A number of other names from throughout the Premiership and the Football Leagues have been linked, and what happens now will be a test of Worthington's wheeling and dealing skills and the Board's commitment to progressing after the shameful way they have treated the fans over the Ashton episode.