Norwich City interested in transfer for 9-cap international midfielder - they face European competition | OneFootball

Norwich City are keen on signing Viktora Plzen's Lukas Cerv, but face competition from across Europe.

Championship outfit Norwich City are reportedly showing 'concrete interest' in signing Viktora Plzen midfielder Lukas Cerv, but face a battle with other European clubs for his services.

The Canaries are looking forward to their first season under new head coach Liam Manning, following their raid of Bristol City earlier in the summer.

The 39-year-old has already been busy this summer, bringing in six new players, including the likes of Harry Darling, Jacob Wright, Vladan Kovacevic and Jakov Medic respectively.

Now, Manning's eyes have turned towards another midfield target in Viktora Plzen's Cerv, according to the latest reports by TeamTalk.

The Norfolk-based side have reportedly shown 'concrete interest' in signing the 24-year-old, but are facing competition from across Europe to secure his services this summer.

Norwich City interested in Viktora Plzen midfield star Lukas Cerv

Norwich have looked to Europe for signings plenty of times in recent years. Players such as the aforementioned Kovacevic and Medic, and also the likes of Matej Jurasek have all been scouted from overseas.

It looks like this trend is showing no signs of stopping either, as the latest reports from TEAMtalk suggest that City are one of a number of clubs in Europe looking to buy Cerv from Viktora Plzen.

The 24-year-old made 52 appearances across all competitions for the Czech side last term, and has won nine international caps with the Czech Republic, and scored a single goal for his country.

Last campaign, the midfielder notched four goals and chipped in with five assists across his 52 appearances, which has caught the eye of plenty of clubs around the continent, with Norwich being one of those.

So far, it's been reported that no official bids have been made for Cerv, but Viktora Plzen are said to be aware of the interest in their midfield maestro, and may consider offers which reflect his value and potential.

It's also understood that the player is keen to explore new opportunities outside his home country, which has sparked confidence in the clubs that are vying to sign him this summer.

Norwich City face battle with multiple European clubs to sign Lukas Cerv

Unfortunately for the Canaries, they aren't alone in their pursuit of Cerv, as TEAMtalk's report also named other European sides who are currently holding interest in the midfielder.

If Norwich want to bring the Czech international to Carrow Road, they will have to fend off competition from Anderlecht, Trabzonspor and Gent, who have all reportedly shown 'concrete interest' along with the Championship club.

Cerv is contracted to Plzen until 2027, which means the Czech side can hold out for an offer they deem acceptable, without running the risk of losing him on a pre-contract agreement in January to another European club.

It's currently unclear what the value that Viktora Plzen deem acceptable is, but it's highly likely that the 24-year-old won't come cheap, thanks to his key role in his current side, and his potential to increase his value even further in the coming years.