Liverpool prospect next big target on Norwich’s hitlist
Published:Norwich have the incompetency of others to thank for their staving off relegation last term.
Their second half of the season capitulation has served as a wake up call for manager Chris Hughton, who has made early inroads in improving his squad this summer.
The blockbuster signing of Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel is believed to be on the verge of completion, after Javier Garrido was snapped up on a free and now the club are vying to land Jonjo Shelvey.
The Liverpool youngster, currently on international duty with the England under-21s, found first-team opportunities difficult to come by towards the end of the previous campaign at Anfield and, with Brendan Rodgers expected to bulk up his squad, he could be in for more frustration when the music restarts.
Norwich would be the ideal club where the former Charlton midfielder could realise the potential that convinced the Reds to part with £1.7m to secure his services in 2010.
A starting spot at Carrow Road would be almost guaranteed in a midfield that lacks in any real creativity, particularly through the middle.
However, a huge hurdle that the Canaries must surmount is the rather sizeable asking price that Liverpool have slapped on the 21-year-old, who scored five goals for them last season.
The Merseysiders reportedly want something in the range of £5m-£8m and, for a player largely unproven in the top flight, this seems a little steep.
The chunk van Wolfswinkel’s transfer would take out of the budget, should the deal be completed, it’s difficult to imagine Delia Smith and co rubber-stamping another hefty outlay and, if she did, this would surely limit their ability to strengthen elsewhere.
A loan deal appears more likely at this stage given the financial complications involved with a permanent switch. His arrival should boost the Norfolk outfit’s survival credentials ahead of next season though; they’re currently rated at 5/2 to go down.
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