In the closing days of the summer transfer window, Norwich City may have to fight to keep Australian international striker Mo Toure.

Rudy Galetti claims that the 22-year-old has drawn interest from FC Porto and Sporting CP of Liga Portugal, respectively, as well as an enquiry from Premier League rookies Hull City.

After coming in November with the Canaries in danger of relegation, Philippe Clement was able to lead the team to a very respectable ninth-place finish. The Canaries have just begun their first full season under his supervision.

Following their victory over MK Dons in the EFL Cup, they were controversially defeated by West Bromwich Albion on the first day of the Championship season.

With just four additions this summer, Norwich hasn’t exactly been the busiest of teams, but a fifth may be on the way with rumours that Anthony Musaba has reached a loan agreement.

However, losing Toure just seven months after he joined Carrow Road would be a devastating blow to the team’s hopes of making the playoffs.

Hull City and FC Porto could pose a danger to Mo Toure’s departure from Norwich City.

Toure’s £3.4 million winter transfer from Danish Superliga team Randers was a good acquisition to Norwich during a season of wildly inconsistent results.

Toure continued his upward trajectory in the Championship, scoring nine goals in just 11 games, including two hat-tricks against Oxford United and Bristol City, after scoring twelve goals in just 48 games for his previous employers.

Mo Toure’s Norwich City statistics as of August 17, 26

Appearances

14.

Objectives

11

helps

4

The highly regarded forward participated in three of Australia’s four FIFA World Cup games after being included in Tony Popovic’s team.

Following Toure’s return to club action last weekend with an EFL Cup goal, it has now been revealed that Sporting has the attacker on their wishlist in case they lose Colombian international Luis Suárez, while Hull and Porto have “requested information” regarding a possible trade.

The responses of Norwich City supporters to the rumours of Mo Toure leaving

Supporters at Carrow Road have, of course, already responded in a variety of ways, particularly after Galetti’s update stated that “developments are expected soon.”I really don’t see this occurring. To improve, Toure has to play in the Championship for another season under Clement.

One Norwich fan remarked, “Aside from goals, he’s miles away from PL standard right now. Saying that, with his record and contract, we shouldn’t be entertaining.”To keep him, it’s a punt. However, it’s a worthwhile one. Another said, “He has all the tools, and another successful season would mean you’re looking comfortably over £20m next season.”

To be honest, I would accept anything over $20 million,” another City supporter said.

Some, though, were clearly worried; one comment said, “Really hope this isn’t true but if it happens it needs to be done quickly to allow us to replace.”

As long as the response is “not for sale,” they are free to “request information” as much as they like. Another opinion was that “all feels a bit concocted/agenty as the two clubs mentioned have already recruited high profile Aussies this summer.”

If Mo Toure leaves Norwich City, they run the risk of being short.

Given his previous performance, it is not surprising that clubs in higher levels are already taking note of Toure’s abilities.

However, while a big profit may be sought, Norwich would risk leaving themselves severely lacking in offensive areas if he left.

Jovon Makama, last season’s top scorer, is still sidelined after suffering a setback to the serious foot injury that kept him out of action since February, while Ante Crnac has yet to return to competitive action, leaving Saturday’s scorer, Mathias Kvistgaarden, as the only other fit centre-forward on Clement’s books.

Hull, on the other hand, is desperate for attacking reinforcements heading into the Premier League season, with Joe Gelhardt currently injured despite the Tigers beating Birmingham City to his signature, leaving Oli McBurnie as Sergej Jakirovic’s only experienced figurehead ahead of their season opener against Manchester United.

As a result, Norwich will believe they are in a strong position to collect a high fee, which may dissuade interest from Hull, Porto, or Sporting.