Norwich City told why Lazio transfer deal 'makes zero sense' - £10m+ demand issued | OneFootball

FLW's Norwich fan pundit has shared their thoughts on Oscar Schwartau's links with Italian top-flight side Lazio

Norwich City are looking to build upon their strong start to life under Philippe Clement into the summer window and next season, as the Canaries set their sights on a place in the Championship top six.

Indeed, since Belgian boss Clement assumed control at Carrow Road in November following the dismissal of Liam Manning, Norwich have been on an almost constant upwards trajectory.

The Canaries endured a rather meteoric climb up the second tier table following his arrival, squashing any underlying threat of relegation and finishing agonisingly close to a place in the play-offs.

The addition of the likes of Mohamed Toure, Ali Ahmed, and Sam Field in the January window under his watch also boosted confidence back in the club following a difficult start to the year.

Now, Clement looks to really stamp his authority on the Norwich side with the additions of Brazilian defender Bruno Alves on loan from Cruzeiro and Jamaican winger Andre Brooks from Sheffield United for around £8 million.

The pair will provide strength and depth as Norwich aim to put together a squad capable of breaking into the top six, and must now consider the future of one of their star attackers after an interesting offer from Italy has emerged.

Norwich City told to reject Lazio loan-to-buy proposal for Danish attacker Oscar Schwartau

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As Clement continues to stamp his authority on the Norwich squad, the Belgian will be keen to shift some players he's less keen to utilise next season to make way for incomings.

One player that has attracted interest as of late is Danish attacking-midfielder Oscar Schwartau, who has struggled to live up to the hype during his first couple of years in Norfolk.

Schwartau, 20, joined Norwich two years ago from Danish side Brondby in a £2 million deal, and has gone on to make 80 appearances across all competitions for the Canaries, with a less than inspiring return of just five goals and two assists in that period.

However, the Dane, according to Italian publication Corriere della Sera, is attracting interest from Rome-based side Lazio, with the top-flight outfit keen to offer Schwartau a route out of Carrow Road this summer with a loan-to-buy deal.

Lazio want an initial loan with an option to buy, but for this to become an obligation if certain conditions are met, as Football League World's Norwich fan pundit, Zeke Downes, has provided their thoughts on the rumours, and whether this is a deal that makes sense for the Canaries.

Zeke said: "I don't think there's a world in which we let Schwartau leave on loan. He is a very important part of our squad.

"It's not like he's just breaking through and he needs some game time. He will be playing a lot, and the only way that we could let him leave is if a big offer comes in. I'm thinking double figures; it would have to be at least.

"Yeah, I don't see Norwich entertaining this at all. It doesn't work for us at all. It would be a great move on their part, but for us, it makes zero sense.

"Johnny Rowe was wanting to leave anyway, and we sort of had no option, but with Schwartau, this is a player that we're hoping to improve even more and make even more money on him."

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Heading into next season, it's not like Norwich exactly lacks in attacking options.

The Canaries possess the likes of Anis Ben Slimane, Papa Diallo, Paris Maghoma, Matej Jurasek, Forson Amankwah, Ante Crnac, Mathias Kvistgaarden, and the aforementioned Ahmed and Brooks that can play anywhere across the front line.

Schwartau made 34 league appearances last season, but even during Norwich's renaissance under Clement, struggled to contribute to goals on the regular.

Whether Norwich will be willing to strike a deal for the Dane remains to be seen, but his situation is certainly one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.