Clarets want Russell

Russell has been back with the Canaries, where he started his career, for just a year after spending four years at Stoke. The Londoner came through the youth system at Norwich and made his debut for them in 1998 in a 1-0 win at Reading.

For much of his time there he played at right back but it was at Stoke he was moved to midfield. Tony Pulis signed him for £125,000 and he was a regular in the side for four years under Pulis and Boskamp before he opted for a return to Norwich last summer in a deal that is believed to have cost Norwich £410,000, a fee that was reduced because of a previous sell on clause.

Now aged 27 he has played over 340 league games for the two clubs and is believed to be one of the players that Owen Coyle has made an offer for. It looks as though we will face competition from both Charlton and Crystal Palace for his services.