Norwich transfers: Canaries set to complete Steven Naismith swoop?
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | December 29, 2015
Norwich City are to sign Everton and Scotland forward Steven Naismith for a reported £8m when the winter window opens in January.
Persistence pays off
The Canaries, with whom Coral have a betting partnership, tried to capture former Rangers attacker Naismith, 29, this past summer but saw their overtures knocked back. Returning with a bid £1m higher than the £7m offered in August looks to have got Alex Neil his man.
Having started just four Premier League games this season, however, Naismith appears to be leaving Goodison Park in search of first-team football. His qualities were underlined by a memorable hat-trick against Chelsea off the Toffees bench back in September.
Naismith also impressed during Scotland’s Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, which ultimately proved fruitless in a tough group which also contained tournament finalists Germany, Poland and the Republic of Ireland.
Summer swoops leave Naismith on fringes
Everton’s re-signing of manager Roberto Martinez’s fellow Spaniard Gerard Deulofeu has resulted in limited chances to start for Naismith, as well as Belgium international Kevin Mirallas. Aston Villa had also been linked with a January move for Naismith.
Norwich netting Naismith continues a rich tradition of Scottish players at Carrow Road. Canaries coach Neil is also a compatriot, while midfielder Graham Dorrans plus defensive duo Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker are all international teammates.
About to move to Norfolk, Naismith swaps challenging for Europe for a relegation battle, with Norwich 5/2 to lose their Premier League status.
Jarvis joins for keeps
In other Canaries news, on-loan winger Matt Jarvis is to make his spell at Carrow Road into a permanent one for a fee of £2.5m. He has been handed a three-and-a-half-year deal.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far so I’m delighted to sign,” Jarvis told Norwich’s official website.
“It’s nice to get it done before the window opens as the club have shown they really wanted me. I had a great start here and hopefully I’ll be back up and running soon for the rest of the season.”
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