City boss Paul Lambert has revealed that there could be more new arrivals at Carrow Road in the near future, with Fraser Forster and that No.1 position a priority.
Newcastle goalkeeper Forster was outstanding during his loan spell in Norfolk last season and Lambert has been pestering his opposite number at St James’ Park, trying to get another temporary deal done.
But the 6ft 6in stopper has started pre-season training with the Toon and Chris Hughton appears to be undecided on the Hexham-born player’s immediate future.
One thing the Canary chief won’t do, however, is wait forever for his man. There is a Plan B in place.
“I’ve spoken to Chris [Hughton] many times on the phone now and it is not as easy as some people think, that is for sure,” said the Scot, speaking at the Royal Norfolk Show yesterday. “All we can do is wait and see.
“There is no doubt that he is going to be a huge goalkeeper. I think they have another good goalkeeper as well and we cannot stop other clubs coming in for him.
“There are loads of factors to it and it is not as easy as saying ‘we are going to get him’. There are millions of things in it and he is a Newcastle player at the end of the day.
“I can’t leave it much longer, that is for sure. As I have said, I’ve been on the phone to Chris since the season ended so we will just have to wait and see.
“You have to keep your options open and you can’t keep your eye on one player. Fraser is not our player, he is Newcastle’s player.”
After a decent break basking in the glory of last season’s League One title triumph, the playing squad returned to pre-season training at Colney yesterday. And Lambert was happy to report that everyone had returned in good nick, including Grant Holt after his recent ankle operation.
“It has been great; the lads have come back in good shape. The spirit is the same as it was last season and hopefully pre-season will go well for us.
“They came back in good shape and it is important that they get fit and stay fit until the Watford game.
“Everything is in place for our training camp in Germany and we know what to expect. We will go there and work really, really hard.”
At this time of year, however, all supporters are interested in is the transfer business being done, and after all the new additions, Lambert admitted that there could be one or two heading out of the exit door, after it was announced that Darel Russell will be moving on.
“There have been enquiries for one or two of the younger players and it is up to me whether I want to let them out on loan. I’ll decide what is best for the kids and for Norwich.
“But I’m happy with the squad, no doubt. I just think we need another couple and I will try and get them in. We will see what happens.
“There is no deadline [to complete the summer signings], but I will try and get the rest in before we go over to Germany.”
And in terms of departures, Lambert hinted that the volume of players in certain areas – especially in midfield – may mean one or two senior lads moving on.
“Listen, I cannot say people are going to stay at the football club or anything like that. Yes, we brought a few in to give the lads a hand and some might knock on my door and not see a future here.”
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