New Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup insisted he will make the call on Adam Idah’s future this summer amid Celtic transfer interest.
The Dane spoke in glowing terms about the Republic of Ireland international at his official Carrow Road unveiling on Friday morning.
Idah was a revelation in a loan stint with the Bhoys that brought a league and cup double. But the City striker was frustrated at his lack of game time under David Wagner prior to his January loan move north of the border.
Celtic have been strongly tipped to test the Canaries’ resolve this summer for a player under contract until 2028.
But Thorup made it clear he wants to run the rule over the 23-year-old, who felt he had become a ‘scapegoat’ in Norfolk before a new lease of life in Glasgow.
“Yes, definitely with that guy,” he said. “He's an exciting player. And he's from here, and he's been in the club so many years and can do dangerous stuff up front. He's fast, he moves well, he gets into these areas in the box where you decide games. So, definitely, I will have a look at him, I think otherwise it will be stupid.”
Sporting director Ben Knapper, also in attendance at Carrow Road, made it clear City will have to trade players this summer within their self-funding model.
Jon Rowe, Gabby Sara and Josh Sargent are all expected to attract interest, in addition to the likes of Idah and Marcelino Nunez.
City have already made their first signing of the summer in Panamanian international Jose Cordoba.
“Listen, to be fair, I have a lot of conversations with this guy,” said Thorup, sat next to Knapper. “He's more or less on top of my list in terms of phone calls, even more than my wife, I think. So, of course, a lot of conversations. But to be fair, I see great potential in the squad.
“For me as a coach coming in I don't think it will be the right way to say, ‘Okay, we need this and this and this’ so I will give a fair chance to the players and see what we can do.
"And then of course the first game is in the beginning of August, so we also have time to see in pre-season if there's something that we need to invest in, but to be fair to the players I see great potential, so I actually prefer to start working with them, instead of finding all new players.”
“I certainly wouldn't be doing my job if I wasn't constantly looking at how can we improve what's out there,” added Knapper. “But at the same time, you know, we're crystal clear we've got a lot of quality here in the building. There is zero doubt about that. We're excited about what we can do with this group.
“There's so much talent there. Like Johannes has said we've got lots of different types of players, different age profiles, real quality, real experienced players that have played at the absolute top level. You look now at the number of players that we've got away competing at the highest level for their international sides.
“It's always a balance. Of course, there's some areas that we're looking at, but it's so important to remember Johannes hasn't had the first session yet with the players. He needs to get in there and feel and see these players. That's going to play a part in decisions that we may or may not make.”
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