Norwich City have rejected manager Paul Lambert's resignation.
Lambert, 42, is a target for City's Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
If City allowed him to resign they would not receive any compensation, so by rejecting his offer, Norwich are ensuring that Villa will have to pay a fee if Lambert joins the Midlands club.
"We have fought hard to keep Paul and have not accepted his resignation whilst discussions with another club are taking place," said Norwich.

Their statement said the club "regrets" Lambert's decison to offer his resignation, but added that Norwich feel "sincere gratitude" for what he has acheived since taking over, when the club were struggling in League One.
Villa are hunting for a replacement for Alex McLeish, who departed on 14 May after only 11 months in charge having overseen a poor 2011-12 Premier League campaign.
He failed to win over sceptical supporters, many of whom were initially angered by his capture from rivals Birmingham, and were less than impressed with a record of only four wins in 19 home games.
The club spent the final months of the season fearing relegation before eventually finishing 16th, two points clear of the drop zone.
Lambert, who enjoyed spells at Celtic and Borussia Dortmund in his playing days, managed at Wycombe and Colchester before joining Norwich in August 2009.
At the time the Canaries were in League One and reeling from a 7-1 home defeat by Colchester, but Lambert masterminded successive promotions to reach the top flight in his first two seasons in charge.

That record has made him a hero to Norwich fans and the club have been quick to hail his impact despite his desire to leave Carrow Road.
"Whatever happens, we want to place on record our sincere gratitude for everything Paul has done for the club over the last three fantastic seasons," the statement continued.
"When Paul joined us in August 2009 we were in 66th position in the English football pyramid and the club was on the brink of financial meltdown.
"Today we are a Barclays Premier League football club, on a financially sound footing and with a stadium full to capacity.
"Discussions with Paul throughout the last few days have been professional and amicable. Paul has already earned his place in Norwich City Football Club history and, no matter what happens, will always have a friendly welcome at Carrow Road."
Lambert's move to Norwich sparked controversy back in 2009. Colchester reported the Canaries to the Football League for a breach of regulations and misconduct after the Scot switched clubs.
Norwich were forced to pay £425,000 compensation. A Football League tribunal also fined the Canaries £200,000, of which £125,000 was suspended for two years.

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