While Alex Neil has confirmed City are close to a deal for Benfica’s Nelson Oliveira, moves for Enner Valencia and Stefano Okaka could also be completed.
Norwich City’s three-month hunt for a centre-forward looks to be over as Alex Neil confirmed that the club are on the verge of signing Portuguese international Nelson Oliveira.
The 25-year-old Benfica forward spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, scoring nine goals in 29 appearances.
Part of the Portugal squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2012, Oliveira played 10 Premier League games for Swansea in 2014/15, scoring once.
He has also enjoyed loan spells at Rio Ave, Pacos Ferreira, Deportivo La Coruna and Rennes, but has never scored a league goal for boyhood club Benfica.
Nelson Oliveira celebrates scoring in last season’s loan move to Nottingham Forest
It was originally felt he would join the Canaries on loan with a view to a permanent deal, but Portuguese football website Mais Futebol are reporting that the deal will bring an end to his 10-year connection with Benfica.
Neil has now confirmed that the signing will be a permanent one.
He may not be only forward to arrive at Carrow Road before the transfer window shuts on Wednesday, with the Daily Mail reporting that Simone Zaza’s imminent transfer to West Ham is set to start a domino effect.
That move could see Ecuadorian striker Enner Valencia leave London with Norwich, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion set to battle it out for his signature.
He has had a difficult time with the Hammers, scoring just eight goals in 52 Premier League appearances.
Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen in action with Anderlecht’s Stefano Okaka
The same report claims that Norwich are in talks with Belgian side Anderlecht over the possible transfer of Stefano Okaka.
Capped four times by Italy, scoring once, the 27-year-old scored 15 times last season. He spent six months on loan at Fulham in 2010, scoring once in the the league and once in the FA Cup.
Such moves could pave the way for Northern Ireland international Kyle Lafferty to end his Carrow Road nightmare.
Kyle Lafferty celebrates a rare goal for Norwich City
Despite scoring in the 6-1 win against Coventry City in midweek, he is far from first choice under Neil, having appeared just five times in a yellow and green shirt in the last 12 months.
Sky Sports claim that Cardiff City are interested in the 28-year-old, but are yet to open talks.
It is highly unlikely the ex-Rangers man would be allowed to leave Norwich without them bringing in a replacement.
And with a striker on their wanted list all summer, it is perhaps likely that two forwards may now come in before the end of the window.
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