Chris Wilder and Hamburg boss Tim Walter have emerged as candidates for Norwich City's vacant head coach role, according to national newspaper reports.

The Canaries are ramping up their search for Dean Smith's successor after he was relieved of his duties on Tuesday following a run of three wins in 13 Championship matches. 

Sporting director Stuart Webber and Neil Adams are leading the search to appoint the Canaries next boss - with the Daily Mail reporting that Wilder, 55, and Walter, 47, are among the names on their shortlist. 

The reports adds that both men are aware of City's interest, with other names in the frame as the search continues. 

Wilder is a familiar name to City supporters having previously led Sheffield United to promotion to the Premier League in 2018/19 with his Blades side finishing as runners-up to Daniel Farke's swashbuckling champions. 

They managed to retain their top-flight status in their first season in the Premier League after promotion, but struggled to maintain that form in 2020/21 campaign resulting in Wilder leaving his post at his boyhood club. 

Wilder managed Middlesbrough as recently as October before being dismissed due to a poor start to the campaign. Michael Carrick has since revitalised their fortunes with an impressive run of form. 

Despite his struggles on Teesside, Wilder is still regarded as one of the EFL's best coaches. 

Wilder, who has also spent time in charge of Oxford United and Northampton Town, has several promotions on his CV and has managed over 130 games at Championship level.

Walter, currently in charge of Bundesliga Two promotion chasers Hamburger SV, is reportedly another name under consideration by the Canaries. 

The German is highly rated in coaching circles having managed Bayern Munich II as well as Stuttgart and Holstein Kiel. 

Hamburg currently sit second in the German second tier having won 11 of their opening 17 matches. Walter has coached the side since July 2021 and enjoys a 50% win record. 

City would have to pay compensation to secure his services, but that is likely to be modest in relation to some of the in-work domestic candidates who have been tentatively linked with the job. 

German football is currently in the midst of its winter break, with Hamburg's next fixture scheduled for January 29 against Eintracht Braunschweig.

Walter, who has previously been linked with City's Championship rivals Preston, is known for his innovative coaching style, especially around building up from the back in possession. 

He finds himself out of contract in the summer, with talks having stalled on a new deal. 

But Walter is hoping to remain as Hamburg boss, telling Bild in November: "It's not always about money. I really enjoy being here. I want us as a club to develop further in terms of structure. And – of course I want to play with the team in the Bundesliga.

"It is important to me to work for a long time at a club that has a good structure. Where it also fits interpersonally. Where you have built up a relationship of trust and pull together with the players.

"For me, it's important that the staff is doing well, too. I'm in no hurry."

Former Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner has also been linked with the vacancy and remains the favourite with many bookmakers. 

Allan Russell and Steve Weaver will take charge of Norwich City's Championship game against Reading tonight and are expected to be in the dug-out for Monday's fixture against Watford.