Out-of-contract O'Connor courted by Norwich

Because O’Connor is still under 24, his fee would have to be decided by an independent tribunal, despite the fact that he is out of contract and otherwise a free agent.

In his turning down of a new Stoke contract at the end of last season, he prompted West Brom boss Gary Megson to pursue the player.

Canaries boss Nigel Worthington, a former Northern Ireland international, has expressed an interest for the player.

'I have made an inquiry about James O’Connor. He’s someone that I’m very interested in bringing to the club. However, because of the tribunal situation, making an inquiry is as far as we’ve gone at this moment in time.'