Norwich City reportedly target Jon Nolan… does it make Derby County favourites for Sam Morsy?

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Jon Nolan’s displays at League One promotion challengers Shrewsbury Town has Norwich City interested – and this may be good news for Derby County.

Norwich City will have been keeping a close eye on the remarkable progress made by League One pacesetters Shrewsbury Town this season.

The Shrews went into the campaign among the favourites for relegation but, under the guidance of manager Paul Hurst, have emerged as genuine title contenders – thanks in part to the excellent performances of Canaries’ loanee Ben Godfrey in the centre of midfield.

But it seems Norwich have been impressed by Godfrey’s midfield partner too. The Sun’s print edition (17^th December) is reporting that 25-year-old Jon Nolan is on Norwich’s radar with the January transfer window looming large – which could be good news for Derby County.

It is understood that they will make a concrete offer for Nolan, who only signed a three-year contract with Shrewsbury in June after moving from League Two Grimsby Town.

The one-time England C star has been one of the first names on the Shropshire side’s team-sheet this season, featuring 21 times in the third tier and scoring five goals to help the side to second in the table behind Wigan Athletic.

And reports of Norwich’s interest in Nolan could be great news for the League One leaders. Not only would the midfielder’s move to Carrow Road undoubtedly weaken their nearest rivals, it could also pave the way for Derby to bring in an astute January signing.

The Mail claimed that both Norwich and Derby are looking at the Latics’ skipper – but it appears that the former has now turned their attention to Nolan instead.

Derby, then, may have a better chance of landing Morsy in January. The Rams are understood to be after another combative midfielder to partner Joe Ledley in the engine room and Morsy would be a cheaper option than either Josh Vela or Josh Brownhill.

The Championship duo, who ply their trade for Bolton and Bristol City respectively, are likely to demand a hefty fee and Derby aren’t exactly blessed with unlimited funds. Morsy, then, should be heavily considered in the New Year and, if his form in League One is anything to go by, he is ready to step up to the Championship.