So Alex Neil will be scouting the market as he looks to build a side capable of competing in the Premier League next season. Here are five players I would target if I was Norwich City boss:
Virgil van Dijk – Celtic – Central defender – 23
He may only be defending in the Scottish Premier League but the Dutch former youth international is highly rated and has already been linked to Sunderland and Southampton this summer. The 23-year-old, who came through in Holland at Groningen, made 58 appearances in all competitions last season, chipping in with ten goals, an impressive record for a center half. Likely? Bigger teams may have their eyes on van Dijk but Alex Neil will have first hand experience of the defender, having come up against him whilst Hamilton last season.
- Other targets could include: Curtis Davies (Hull), Steven Caulker (QPR), Robert Huth (Stoke), Jason Denayer (Man City)
Carl Jenkinson (loan) – Arsenal – RIght back – 23
Jenkinson impressed whilst on loan at West Ham last season, and although Arsene Wenger does not want to sell the England international, the rapid development on Hector Bellerin will more than likely see Jenkinson loaned out again. Despite European football, a return to West Ham could be scuppered by their change in manager, leaving the door open to other Premier League sides.
- Other targets could include: Andre Wisdom [loan] (Liverpool), Micah Richards (Man City), Adam Matthews (Celtic), Callum Paterson (Hearts)
Demarai Gray – Birmingham – Winger – 18
It wouldn’t be the first time Norwich signed a promising young winger from Birmingham would it? The 18-year-old would be a somewhat wildcard but after impressing last season, including scoring at Carrow Road in September, could he be worth a gamble in the top flight? A box of tricks, Gray has represented England at Under 18, 19 and 20 level and could be that jack in a box needed to spring counter attacks on opponents. Could Nathan Redmond encourage him to follow in his footsteps and head to East Anglia?
- Other targets could include: Alex Pritchard (Spurs), João Teixeira (Liverpool)
Matt Phillips – QPR – Winger – 24
One of QPR’s bright sparks as they were relegated last season, Matt Phillips registered eight assists on top of his three goals. A player with undoubted Premier League quality, Phillips is not afraid to work hard either, something that will be needed when pressing against the top teams. A Scotland international, Phillips began his career at Wycombe, when he briefly crossed paths with Russell Martin, who along with Steven Whittaker, he has also played international football with.
- Other targets could include: Tom Ince (Hull), Craig Noone (Cardiff), Bakary Sako (Wolves)
Charlie Austin – QPR – Striker – 25
A little ambitious maybe, but following their relegation, Charlie Austin looks set to leave QPR. Although the club don’t want to make a habit of signing recently relegated players, alongside Phillips, Austin impressed in his debut Premier League season, scoring 18 goals and earning his first senior England call-up. It may be a little too soon for bigger clubs to be knocking at his door and with a guarantee of first team football, could Norwich be a potential destination for Austin?
- Other targets could include: Jordan Rhodes (Blackburn), John Guidetti (Man City), Nikica Jelavic (Hull)
Which five players do you think Norwich City should sign? Let me know on Twitter at @EdwardSeaman94
Edward Seaman Journo 