Johannes Hoff Thorup will be happy if Martin Frese follows him to Norwich City, but has stayed out of any talks to potentially bring him to Carrow Road. 

The left back is out of contract after graduating through the Nordsjaelland youth set up and is of interest to the Canaries after the departures of Dimi Giannoulis and Sam McCallum. 

Frese is understood to have a range of different options across Europe, including from Italy, and is yet to make a decision over his next club after an impressive campaign in the Superliga under Thorup. 

The defender has waved goodbye to Denmark and vowed to ‘see the world’ as he ponders his next steps. 

Whilst there may be some hope that his pre-existing relationship with the new City boss may help bring him to England, Thorup has explained why he has opted to stay out of the pursuit for the 26-year-old. 

“Frese is talented, but when I heard that he could be interesting for Norwich, I hurried to stay out of it,” Thorup told Bold.

“I really don't want to be in a situation where it could be reported that I have gone and influenced him while a season has been going on. I have not had any conversations with Frese about this. 

“He is a skilled full-back and a skilled player, so I will be happy if he chooses Norwich, but I will also be happy on his behalf if he chooses something else, because to that extent he has deserved it.”

Norwich are close to securing the signing of Levski Sofia defender Jose Cordoba and are expected to ramp up their transfer activity in the coming weeks. 

The Pink Un: Johannes Hoff Thorup joined Norwich City from FC Nordsjaelland formally this week.Johannes Hoff Thorup joined Norwich City from FC Nordsjaelland formally this week. (Image: Matt Usher/Norwich City FC)

But their recruitment drive this summer won’t involve Thorup returning to raid former club Nordsjaelland. 

“Out of respect for Nordsjaelland, I would like to refrain from taking too much from there. At least right now,” City’s boss said.

“Of course, I always want to keep a close eye on Nordsjaelland, because the players are extremely well trained and educated. But I don't want to do too much right now, because the club is so close to my heart that I really have an interest in it going well for them.

“I hope they find a very skilled coach who can help take it further, but I will of course keep an eye out because there are so many skilled players and people in the club.”