Norwich City were in the race to sign Cesena striker Gregoire Defrel.

According to Sky Sports Italia, Cesena striker Gregoire Defrel has agreed to join Italian side Sassuolo despite heavy interest from Premier League new boys Norwich City.

The French striker has spent the past three seasons plying his trade at Cesena, hovering between Serie B and Serie A as the Italian outfit have enjoyed successive promotion and relegation campaigns.

According to a report by talkSPORT in midweek, Norwich were said to be plotting a bid in the region of £4.5 million for the 24-year-old despite fierce competition for his signature.

It remains to be seen whether the Canaries submitted an offer or not, yet fresh reports state they have been beaten to his signature regardless as Defrel has already agreed upon a switch to Sassuolo.

“Sassuolo defeated Norwich in the race for the striker, they will pay €7 million [roughly £4.5 million] with Floccari and Ariaudo likely going to Cesena as part of the deal,” Sky Sports Italia say.

Slow summer:

Norwich achieved promotion to the Premier League alongside Watford and Bournemouth, yet unlike their fellow top-flight newcomers, the Carrow Road outfit have been fairly reserved on the transfer front this summer.

Only four players have arrived permanently ahead of the new season, with Robbie Brady being the standout acquisition – the Irishman trading Hull City for East Anglia in a £7 million deal – as revealed by HITC Sport.

A new striker signing has so far eluded Alex Neil’s side and after seemingly missing out on Defrel, the club will now have to consider other avenues in their bid to add much needed firepower to the team.

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