Norwich City have struck Matt Targett off their left-back shortlist and are increasingly focused on the overseas market as Philippe Clement looks to solve his most pressing defensive problem before the Championship season begins.
According to Pink Un correspondents Paddy Davitt and Adam Harvey, the free agent full-back was tentatively linked with Carrow Road over the weekend, but City are understood to be leaning away from a domestic option as they continue to weigh up targets including Hull City’s Ryan Giles and LASK’s George Bello. Giles remains under contract at Hull until 2027 and Hull Live has reported he wants to fight for his place in the Premier League, while Bello’s contract extension to 2027 in Austria has hardened the fee required for a Carrow Road move. Ben Knapper and City’s recruitment team have been pushed into the search by fitness concerns over incumbent left-backs Lucien Mahovo and Ben Chrisene.
Clement Also Facing St Gallen Squad Calls
Those selection issues were on show at Colney on Saturday, where Mahovo limped off late in a goalless draw with Colchester United after a heavy challenge, leaving Clement to assess whether the defender will travel for Friday’s pre-season test away to St Gallen. Errol Mundle-Smith also missed the Colchester game with a hamstring issue, while Vladan Kovacevic was rested — though Clement has confirmed his first-choice goalkeeper will be involved in Switzerland. There was better news up front, with Jovon Makama marking his return from a five-month foot injury lay-off against Colchester and set for more minutes against the Swiss side, who are preparing for a Europa League qualifier against Benfica.
Elsewhere, former Canaries loanee Isaac Hayden has completed a move to Leyton Orient on a two-year deal, reuniting with ex-City teammate Tony Springett at Brisbane Road. Hayden spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Carrow Road from Newcastle United, making 14 appearances before injury limited his involvement, and leaves QPR as a free agent after two spells at Loftus Road.
With the St Gallen friendly now just days away and the Championship opener against West Brom on August 15 edging closer, Clement’s left-back dilemma looks set to remain the defining subplot of Norwich’s remaining transfer business this window.
