"Not-too-distant future" - Norwich City chief deals major Preston North End transfer blow | OneFootball

Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper has dealt Preston North End a major blow amid their reported interest in a Jacob Wright.

Norwich City's sporting director, Ben Knapper, has revealed that the Canaries hope to announce the permanent transfer of Manchester City loanee Jacob Wright "in the not-too-distant future".

The 19-year-old midfielder has registered four assists in his 15 games for the Canaries this past season, and has previously outlined his desire to make a permanent switch to Carrow Road.

With no manager currently at the club following Johannes Hoff Thorup's sacking in April, and Jack Wilshere not being kept on following his spell as interim manager, there are expected to be plenty of changes coming up at Carrow Road this summer.

Norwich missing out on the play-offs was a disappointment, which ultimately led to Thorup's sacking, and if they are to improve next season and finish in the top six, they will need to hold onto their talented players.

Since joining, Wright has received plenty of plaudits, and seems to be a player who may be able to help City reach the next level.

Norwich City chief Ben Knapper reveals Canaries are closing in on Jacob Wright transfer - Preston dealt blow

When asked if he hoped to conclude a deal for the England Under-20 midfielder, Norwich City's sporting director told Pink Un via YouTube: "Yes.

"Look, he's been fantastic. You guys have seen all the games, the impact that he's made. He's grown continually since he's been here," Knapper continued.

"But I think the thing I would say about Jacob as well is it's what he brings day-to-day and generally. And even at the games you would have heard him on the pitch.

"We're talking here about a young man who, from an experience in senior football point of view, he's at the very start of his journey, but you would never think that from the way that he carries himself, the way that he approaches his work day-to-day, he's got huge leadership potential.

"Look, of course, we're in a really good place with that. So I hope to have some news for you on that in the not-too-distant future."

This won't be music to the ears of anyone connected with Preston North End, as it was recently revealed by journalist Alan Nixon that the Lilywhites were also keen on securing Wright's signature in the winter window, and were also eyeing up a potential summer swoop.

Knapper also spoke to Pink Un about the lack of a manager at present, insisting that it would not affect the timing of recruitment.

"Recruitment is huge now. It'll be another big summer as it is, but we're ready for it. That is a point worth reiterating.

"Our strategy never was and never will be about one person. It's not a head coach. It's not me. Our strategy is based around organizational principles that we want to move towards around player development and player trading and playing in a certain way, and those things remain in place.

"Whilst the head coach may be plugged out and plugged in, nothing changes in terms of our broader direction and what we're trying to do."

Jacob Wright could be £2.3m bargain for Norwich City

As part of the loan deal that saw Wright move to Carrow Road in February, it was revealed that Norwich had successfully negotiated the inclusion of a permanent buy option in the deal with Manchester City.

PinkUn have reported the figure as being £2.3m plus add-ons, which based off his performances in the second half of the season, looks like a real bargain price.

The teenager was a rock in the heart of Norwich's midfield during the second half of the campaign, with his tackling, dribbling and chance-creation ability on full display.

The England youth international looks to have all the tools to become a real star central midfielder of the future, and one that for a little over £2m, could be one of the biggest bargains in Norwich's history in recent times.

His potential is obvious, and should he reach it as a Norwich player, he could bankroll the club with major profits in the future, and having lost talismanic central midfielder Gabriel Sara last summer, Wright could prove to be the ideal long-term replacement plan.