West Ham star is 'worth a punt' for Norwich City as deal eyed - 'he's had a unique career' | OneFootball

Norwich City have set their sights on a move for West Ham United midfielder Andy Irving.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Norwich City have eyed a move for West Ham United midfielder Andy Irving, as the Canaries look to stave off the threat of relegation from the Championship.

The Canaries thrashed League Two side Walsall 5-1 last Sunday, but they remain in the second-tier relegation zone following their 2-0 defeat to Stoke City on 4 January.

Philippe Clement's men are now preparing for this Saturday's Championship clash with Wrexham, who have won their last four league games.

A victory over the Red Dragons could be vital to Norwich's survival credentials, while the Norfolk outfit must also enjoy a successful January transfer window.

Norwich backed to complete Andy Irving swoop amid interest in West Ham midfielder

The Canaries need a new goal-scoring midfielder, while Clement has been made to utilise Jacob Wright in the number 10 role, as opposed to his preferred deeper position.

Therefore, Norwich supporters may be pleased that, according to the Pink Un, the Carrow Road outfit have set their sights on West Ham's Irving, who scored 10 goals across all competitions while on loan with SK Austria Klagenfurt in 2023/24.

Amid the Championship club's reported interest in the 25-year-old, Football League World asked our Canaries fan pundit, Zeke Downes, if he would welcome a deal for the Hammers man.

Downes said: "I'd be happy to add Andy Irving to the squad. I've spoken to a few West Ham fans, and although he didn't play too much, from what they could see, he was impressive and clearly had a bit about him.

"It's a weird one that he's not been given any chances, with the fact that they are struggling in the league. I think he's obviously had a bit of a unique career. I think he's worth a punt if it's cheap enough, and he has a bit of experience in the Premier League and obviously in Scotland as well. That will only help.

"I would be more than happy to add him into the squad."

Andy Irving could be exactly what Canaries need amid Championship relegation battle

Norwich remain in the Championship relegation zone, but Clement has had a positive impact since replacing former boss Liam Manning in November, yielding five wins and three draws from his 12 games in charge.

The Canaries must recruit well this month to avoid finishing in the bottom three, though, and Irving boasts the sort of profile that can help them in their quest.

Irving has made just seven Premier League appearances for West Ham this term, while he has also entered the final six months of his contract at the London Stadium.

However, his attacking exploits in the Austrian Bundesliga for his former club Klagenfurt suggest that he will add much-needed quality to Clement's ranks.

Furthermore, as alluded to by Downes, Irving has enjoyed a varied career to date, having also represented the likes of German outfit Turkugu Munchen and Scottish side Hearts.

Therefore, the 25-year-old should not be phased by adjusting to the demands of the Championship, and helping the Canaries avoid relegation to League One.