Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup was asked to address the future of Leeds United target Jonathan Rowe on Thursday afternoon.
Hoff Thorup was speaking in his first pre-match press conference as Canaries boss ahead of his side’s opening day trip to Oxford United this weekend.
It certainly has not been an easy week of preparation for the Danish man, having lost key man Gabriel Sara to Galatasaray on Sunday, with news of Leeds’ interest in Rowe materialising 24 hours later.
Sara and Rowe contributed to a total of 39 of Norwich’s 79 goals in the Championship last season, and so losing them both in the same week would be a huge blow.
However, Sara’s exit has not stopped Norwich from engaging in talks with Leeds, with the two clubs seemingly moving closer to an agreement.
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Johannes Hoff Thorup reacts to Rowe to Leeds links
Leeds are not expected to make a new signing before Saturday’s match with Portsmouth, though that does not mean progress cannot be made on deals.
Sky Sports’ Tim Thornton has already claimed this will be a difficult one to pull off, with both the fee and Leeds being a divisional rival two obstacles to overcome.
However, with talks still ongoing, clearly the Whites believe it is possible and after the latest update on Leeds‘ willingness to increase their bid, Hoff Thorup was asked about Rowe’s future.
Norwich are less than 48 hours away from getting their season underway at Oxford and as it stands, Rowe is set to be in the squad that makes the trip.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Hoff Thorup has insisted Rowe’s head remains fully focused on Norwich despite speculation from the outside.
He said: “These guys have trained with the group, they’re important and that’s how it is. We can’t affect whether there is an offer, that’s what I tell the players on a daily basis. Their heads are ready to perform here.”
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Leeds could sign Premier League ready player in Rowe
It is no surprise Leeds are targeting someone of Rowe’s cost and quality to replace Crysencio Summerville, given the output he brought last season.
However, Leeds certainly aren’t the only side interested in the 21-year-old, with clubs from abroad and in the Premier League also keen on a deal.
In fact, former Norwich academy chief Steve Weaver – who played a key role in Rowe’s development – believes he is already good enough for the Premier League.
“It’s not very surprising he’s had the impact he has had. Left-footed, right-footed, very, very quick, and he does the hardest thing in the game as well as anyone – score goals,” former Norwich man Weaver said.
“He’s ready to play in the Premier League. He’s a very rare breed. At 15, he’d just come and talk to you, other kids won’t do that, they want someone to do it for them,”
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