Premier League newcomers Norwich City wanted Norway international Mathias Normann on an initial loan deal with Eurostavka claiming the FC Rostov star could eventually have become the club’s record signing.
Since storming to the Championship title and securing a return to the top flight for the second time in three years, Norwich appear to have learned from the mistakes they made in 2019.
The Canaries were roundly slammed at the time, accused of failing to adequately reinforce a squad that would flop badly in the Premier League.
But if Daniel Farke’s side make a mess of things this time around, no-one could blame another season of struggle on a lack of activity in the transfer market.
Norwich have brought in eight players already, breaking their transfer record twice in the process. Firstly for Werder Bremen winger Milot Rashica and again for free-scoring Greek teenager Christos Tzolis.
And, according to reports coming out of Russia, tough-tackling Normann might have replaced Tzolis as the most expensive signing in Norwich’s history, presuming the 25-year-old adapted to life at Carrow Road.
Norwich deal for Mathias Normann could have risen to £15m
Eurostavka claims Norwich wanted Normann on a loan-to-buy deal, one that could eventually set them back about £15 million.
It’s understood Rostov turned down that approach, feeling it may be too late in the window to cash in on a man who would be difficult to replace.
It remains to be seen whether Norwich return with another offer for a man who would add much-needed steel to the silk of Billy Gilmour, Todd Cantwell and Pierre Lees-Melou.
Newcastle United also had an offer rejected for one-time Brighton and Hove Albion youngster Normann recently, while Fulham tried and failed to sign Normann too in summer 2020.
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