Norwich City are ready to play hardball over Celtic's permanent pursuit of striker Adam Idah this summer, according to reports north of the border.
Brendan Rodgers has made little secret of his desire to sign Idah on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell at Celtic Park that saw him score nine goals and record two assists in 19 appearances on their way to the league and cup double.
Football Scotland are reporting that Norwich are ‘not yet entertaining a permanent sale’ for the striker. A fee of £6million has been mentioned as the asking price set for Idah by the Canaries.
The report adds that Norwich are hoping Idah takes his newfound level of confidence into next season in what will be a clean start under the new regime at Carrow Road.
Celtic agreed a deal with Norwich to take Idah on loan in January, but there wasn’t a permanent option negotiated into the deal.
Idah pushed for a temporary Carrow Road exit to continue his development, with Hellas Verona keen to take him on a loan to buy agreement - but were unable to strike a deal.
The Irishman also had interest from Championship clubs and others in Italy, but wanted to move to Celtic once Rodgers made clear his desire to sign the 23-year-old.
It’s understood Norwich are relaxed over Idah’s future with the current plan for the striker to join up with the rest of the squad for pre-season testing later this month. Should anybody want to sign him, they will need to make an offer befitting their valuation.
New boss Johannes Hoff Thorup and Ben Knapper are both understood to rate Idah highly, but his future may well hinge on whether he wants to give his Norwich career another go or wants to seek another challenge.
Idah signed a long term contract until 2028 at Norwich last year and is set to compete with Josh Sargent and Ashley Barnes for the starting striker spot in City’s Championship preparations.
Rodgers made little secret of his desire to sign Idah on a permanent basis after his Scottish Cup final winner against Rangers and hoped the board would support him to sign the City man.
“Hopefully we can do something. He has a long-term contract at Norwich but he is definitely one I would love to bring back here,” the Celtic chief told reporters at his press conference after the win over Rangers last weekend.
“At 23 with the potential and quality he has I think he can really push on in his career.”
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