Norwich City working to sign Rakow striker Ante Crnac

Hope is growing that the 20-year-old could become their fifth summer signing and end their pursuit of a striking addition after Adam Idah's departure. 

The deal for the highly-rated youngster is around similar numbers that saw Idah depart Carrow Road to join Celtic permanently last week, and there is growing optimism that a deal could be struck this week. 

The Croatia youth international is set to undergo a medical after a move worth £8.5m was struck between the two clubs. 

Crnac can also operate across the front line and netted eight goals in 26 matches last season, recording five assists. He has started the current campaign brightly, netting once for Rakow in their opening five games. 

He has previously been heavily linked with Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, but City appear to have timed their run to perfection. 

The Croat began his career at Moslavina before signing for Dinamo Zagreb where he developed as a teenager without making a senior appearance. He then joined Slaven Belupo in 2022, where he made 56 appearances. 

Crnac's performances then earned him a move to his current club, Rakow, in September 2023 for a fee of €1million. Norwich's interest in the youngster has been long-standing, and they've made their move after a deal to sign Rennes striker Bergot Yildirim fell through last week.

Norwich currently have Josh Sargent as their only fit and available natural striking option with Ashley Barnes still sidelined and Ken Aboh poised for an EFL loan to continue his development. 

Josh Sargent is Norwich City's only fit striking option. (Image: Andy Sumner/Focus Images Ltd)

That has upped the intensity of their striker search, with Crnac now their primary target. Johannes Hoff Thorup confirmed at the weekend that their work was continuing. 

“I don't think we are there yet, but we are working on some different options for us,” said Thorup, speaking after Saturday’s 2-2 league draw against Blackburn. “So again, I hope it can be before the next game (Sheffield United). You never know.

"In football, it takes more than just one or two parts to agree when it's a transfer deal. We have to wait and see, but I'm positive that we can bring quality into the group.”