Norwich City are interested in a late transfer window move for Sheffield United's central midfielder Anis Slimane.

The Tunisian international featured for the Blades from the bench in a second half cameo on Saturday during a 1-1 Championship draw at Carrow Road.

Norwich have identified Slimane, who played in Denmark at Brondby before signing for the Yorkshire outfit ahead of last season's Premier League tilt, as they aim to bolster their midfield options ahead of Friday's 11pm deadline.

The Sheffield Star report on Tuesday the 23-year-old has pulled out of the Blades' League Cup squad against Barnsley, amid transfer interest from a Championship rival.

City head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup indicated after Saturday's draw the Canaries were still in the market for reinforcements in attacking areas, and Slimane has now emerged as City's number one target.

Slimane, who made 15 top flight appearances last season following his move to England, is seen as another number eight option but can also play anywhere across the middle of the park and further forward.

The Copenhagen-born midfielder represented Denmark at Under-19 level, but now has 34 caps for Tunisia and has featured in the African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

Real Madrid's Brazilian Reinier remains another player on City's watchlist, but Slimane is believed to be keen on a potential move to Carrow Road.

The Tunisian is under contract at Bramall Lane until at least 2026, after joining from Brondby in the summer of 2023 for a reported €2.7m. The Danish club is reportedly due 15pc of any resale over €1.1m.

Both Thorup and Blades' chief Chris Wilder can expect to be asked about the reports after their respective League Cup ties on Tuesday night. 

Norwich have so far brought in six senior players in the summer transfer window, with Slimane's former Brondby team mate Oscar Schwartau named on the bench for Tuesday's cup tie at Crystal Palace.