Purse latest name linked with Canaries

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BIRMINGHAM defender Darren Purse has become the latest player linked with Norwich City.

The 27-year-old has admitted he may have to move for the sake of his career – after playing just 12 times for the Blues last season.

But Charlton, who had been expected to sign Purse in January, and Everton are believed to head the queue.

Purse arrived at St Andrew's in 1998 from Oxford for £800,000, but has slipped down the pecking order.

The former England Under-21 international has played exactly 200 games for the Blues.

Manager Steve Bruce has told Purse he can go if the price is right, but is believed to want about £1 million.

"I have got no problem with Steve Bruce and I can see his point of view," said Purse. "Kenny Cunningham and Matthew Upson have formed a brilliant partnership and I can understand why he wouldn't want to split them up.

"But from my point of view, I can't afford to spend another season being fourth-choice centre-half.

"I still have two years left on my contract and when I am selected will continue to give 100 per cent because I really enjoy it here, and have a good relationship with the fans and the manager.

Wolves striker Vio Ganea, a 30-year-old Romanian international, has also been mentioned as a potential Canary target.

Ganea's agent Gary Williams told the Wolverhampton Express and Star: "I sat down with Jez (Moxey, the chief executive) on Friday and Wolves are very keen to keep Vio, especially with the possibility of Henri Camara leaving.

"But Norwich and Charlton have also come in. There's a lot of interest but he's happy at Wolves and I would expect him to stay unless the other offers are better."

Not for the first time, Leicester striker Paul Dickov has also been linked with the Canaries.