City told to 'do one'

While Glenn Roeder was hoping the timing of the Norwegian league season would present him with a fully fit striker with goals in his locker, it has actually led to the collapse of his main transfer goal.

Roeder had hoped to bring in former Spurs and Wolves striker Steffen Iversen, who had apparently been promised by current employers Rosenborg that he could leave in the event of an approach from England. This now looks highly unlikely.

Rosenborg, ahead of a crucial UEFA Cup tie this Thursday with Djurgarden of Sweden, have issued a 'hands off...for now' warning to the Canaries, with Sport Director Erik Hoftun telling the Eastern Daily Press:

"We are not going to sell Steffen. He is the best striker we have and we have not found a replacement for him, therefore we cannot sell him. We can't sell him in the middle of the season.

"It has to be the correct time and the correct price. We will not change our minds. We cannot do this. Steffen is a very important player for us. There are a lot more games left in our season and we have no choice.

"The fact is, we can talk again at the end of our season. That is what I have told Norwich. Maybe we will be prepared to sell him then."