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Could incoming Stuart Webber hold key to Norwich City signing 2015 target Benik Afobe?

Wolves' Benik Afobe scores from the penalty spot (Reuters)
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Norwich City tried to sign the striker during his time as a Wolverhampton Wanderers player.

Bournemouth's Benik Afobe scores their second goalBournemouth’s Benik Afobe scores against Swansea

Norwich City wanted him before, Stuart Webber signed him before – it would perhaps be little surprise if the Canaries, who are set to appoint Webber as their new director of football, went after Bournemouth’s Benik Afobe again this summer.

Though it is from Huddersfield Town that Webber will – reportedly – arrive, it was at previous club Wolverhampton Wanderers that he first came into contact with Afobe, then a promising striker in Arsenal’s youth ranks.

Having scored 13 goals in his first 21 Championship outings it Molineux – taking Afobe’s tally for the 2014-15 campaign to 32, following an impressive six months on loan to Milton Keynes Dons – interest from a string of Premier League clubs including Norwich [Sky Sports] came as a shock to no one.

Afobe was forced to wait another six months in his quest to play regularly in the top flight, however, although it was Bournemouth the beneficiaries, as Norwich instead signed Everton’s Steven Naismith.

Norwich's Steven Naismith and Newcastle's Cheick TioteNorwich striker Steven Naismith in action (left)

And despite scoring a respectable four goals in 12 appearances for the Cherries last term, the 24-year-old has managed as many in the entirety of the current campaign.

In fairness to Afobe, the former England Under-21 international has started only a third of his 24 Premier League outings, benefitting most recently from another injury to Callum Wilson.

Bournemouth, however, are likely to strengthen this summer, assuming they remain a top flight outfit, which could throw Afobe’s future into doubt.

And Norwich, blessed with parachute payments and – perhaps – the pull of Stuart Webber, are sure to come knocking if so.