Norwich ready to step up pursuit of Chris McCann

A potential move to Premier League Swansea for the 24-year-old Dubliner was muted after boss Brendan Rodgers took over the managerial vacancy at Anfield, but after securing moves for Rangers’ Steven Whittaker and Barnsley’s Jacob Butterfield, on top of keeping hold of striker Grant Holt, Hughton is looking to make McCann his third summer signing at Carrow Road.

Hughton said: “We are trying to make all efforts we can to have as strong a squad as we can.

“We’re building towards a strong future. It’s not an easy task because this is a very tough division, but I’ve got to have as good a competitive squad as I can.

“What we have is two new signings and someone in Grant Holt who also feels like a new signing.

“We’re quite happy with the business so far, and we’ll keep searching.”

Howe, who is confident goalkeeper Brian Jensen will finalise terms over a new contract at Turf Moor in the near future, may now look to add former Bournemouth team-mate Brian Stock, currently at Doncaster, to his ranks.

The Burnley boss was linked with a move for the 30-year-old in January, and may look to the midfielder again after Leeds’ Adam Clayton slipped the net, after being reunited with Simon Grayson at Huddersfield. Stock still has a year left to run on his contract at the Keepmoat Stadium but, as one of the highest earners at the South Yorkshire club, he may be allowed to leave for a nominal fee as Rovers attempt to reduce their wage bill following relegation to League One.

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