Norwich City transfer rumours: Canaries to beat Villa and Bristol City to Nketiah signing

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah in League Cup action against Norwich City in October 2017, battling with Tom Trybull Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222

Norwich City have reportedly thwarted Bristol City’s hopes of signing Arsenal and England Under-21 striker Eddie Nketiah.

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The Bristol Post are reporting this morning that the Robins had been hoping to seal a loan for the 20-year-old until the end of the season, after his time with Leeds was brought to an early end.

Nketiah scored five goals in 19 games for Leeds but was behind Patrick Bamford in the pecking order at Elland Road, leaving Arsenal wanting a better place for their prized talent to progress.

The Londoner has scored eight goals in eight games for the England U21s, where he is team-mates with Canaries trio Max Aarons, Todd Cantwell and Ben Godfrey.

He is also known to Norwich supporters as he scored the first two goals of his senior career against City, during just his second appearance for the Gunners to salvage a 2-1 win at the Emirates in extra-time, in the League Cup fourth round, in October 2017.

Edward Nketiah heading in his extra-time winnner against Norwich at the Emirates in October 2017 Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Edward Nketiah heading in his extra-time winnner against Norwich at the Emirates in October 2017 Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images

That report claims that both Aston Villa and Norwich had enquired about Nketiah just as a move to Bristol was looking likely, claiming that Norwich are now favourites to conclude a deal.

Dennis Srbeny has just left Carrow Road on a permanent deal for his former club Paderborn, who are now in the Bundesliga, following the emergence of academy striker Adam Idah - who scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup on Saturday on his second senior start.

Idah is in contention to start at Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday as first choice striker Teemu Pukki missed that 4-2 win at Preston to rest toe and hamstring injuries, and remains a doubt, while Switzerland international Josip Drmic is back in training after missing two months due to a hamstring strain.

Republic of Ireland U21 striker Idah had been expected to go out on loan this month, with a move to Doncaster Rovers rumoured before he came to the fore. While it's clear the 18-year-old has a big future at City, it will now be important to ensure he is playing regularly for the rest of the season.

Bringing in Nketiah would both strong provide competition for Pukki and Drmic, while allowing Idah to go out and step up his progression - with an eye on being ready to be a key part of City's plans next season, particularly if the club is back ion the Championship.

- You can watch video above of Nketiah scoring a hat-trick for the England U21s earlier this season, during a 5-1 win over Austria at Stadium MK, a game in which City right-back Aarons also played.

Meanwhile, another striker linked with the Canaries, Sewden international Isaac Kiese Thelin of Anderlecht has returned to former club Malmo on loan for the remainder of the season.

And a new link to emerge is Costa Rica international left-back Ronald Matarrita of New York City, with his agent suggesting a move to Europe is imminent for the 25-year-old.

Italian website Europa Calcio quote the player's agent as claiming Sassuolo and Torino have shown interest, as well as Norwich and German club Red Bull Leipzig.

Matarrita was a regular for New York in the MLS during the 2019 season and can play further forward as a winger as well. He has 36 caps for Costa Rica but missed the 2018 World Cup in Russia after picking up a hamstring injury shortly before the tournament began.