Paul Lambert has cast doubt over Dundee United’s ability to afford a move for Ipswich Town striker James Norwood.
With the English side, who are managed by the former Celtic and Scotland midfielder, not keen to let Norwood go out on loan, a purchase seems the only option open to the Tangerines if they want Norwood.
The striker is now also attracting interest from Swindon Town as well as United and Fleetwood but has yet to kick a ball in pre-season as he continues his recovery from a groin problem.
When Lambert was asked about Norwood following Saturday’s friendly at Tottenham, the Ipswich boss told the East Anglian Daily Times he wants to see his striker rediscover his form at Portman Road.
Lambert said: “I don’t know about Dundee United but could they afford him? I don’t think so.
“James needs to show me what he can do to get back into the team and get back to doing what he did at Tranmere.
“If he does that then he’s got another chance here to go and perform the way he can do.
“He’s a goalscorer, the lad, but he has to get himself fit which is important.”
When asked if Norwood is still firmly part of his plans, Lambert said: “Yeah, yeah. He had an unfortunate time with injury and also went off the boil, like all of us did.”