Norwich have launched a surprising bid for ex-Ipswich Town player, Jonathan Walters, who is currently in the last year of his contract at Stoke City; Norwich’s opposition on Saturday.
Walters, 31, has been a Stoke player for 6 seasons now, primarily operating on the right wing, netting 50 goals in 216 appearances for The Potters. Walters has also gained 24 caps for the Republic of Ireland, lining up alongside current City players Wes Hoolahan and Robbie Brady, netting 5 times.
The Telegraph reported this morning that Norwich had tabled a £1.5m bid for Walters, which was immediately rejected by Stoke. The move from the Canaries comes amidst an uncertain time for Jon Walters, whose contract expires next Summer. Contract negotiations are ongoing, with the Stoke winger even joking online about holding out for £120,000 a week contract after Raheem Sterling was offered a similar deal by Liverpool a few months ago.
The move would be an odd one for City, as Walters spent 3 years at local rivals Ipswich Town between 2007-2010. He has also proven unpopular in appearances against City, most recently receiving a straight red card for a lunge on Alex Tettey in the last meeting between the Canaries and Stoke, which ended 1-1.
Regardless, Walters is an established Premier League player and is also known for his ability to take penalties. Last season he scored 8 times and provided 4 assists; should he become a Norwich player, he could add valuable experience and competition in the midfield.
