Norwich City are reportedly deep in discussions with Marseille regarding a deal for Jonathan Rowe.
The 21-year-old has long been regarded as one of the top academy graduates at Carrow Road for some time, showcasing his potential since being handed 13 outings in the 2021-22 Premier League campaign.
However, it was not until last season where the winger delivered in the first team, contributing 12 goals and two assists from his 32 appearances in the Championship.
On the downside for Norwich, it did not lead to promotion, and Rowe has subsequently decided that he does not want to extend his contract past 2025.
As a result, the East Anglian outfit have been vulnerable to offers for the England Under-21 international all summer, with it initially being suggested that Leeds United were the frontrunners for his signature.
Instead, it now appears that Rowe will soon be making the journey to the South of France to begin the next phase of his career.
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Marseille closing on Rowe deal
According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Marseille have made a third offer for Rowe that is likely to be accepted.
A season-long loan with the obligation to buy at the end of 2024-25 for a £13.5m fee has been presented to Norwich, the expectation being that a transfer will be completed in due course.
Norwich may have preferred for a fee to be paid as soon as possible, yet the fellow big-money sale of Adam Idah to Celtic has already given their coffers and position with the EFL's financial regulations a substantial boost.
Rowe has not been involved in the club's first two Championship matches, emphasising that an exit has been deemed to be the best option for all parties.
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De Zerbi focused on English-based talent?
If Rowe does complete a move to the Stade Velodrome, it would represent the fourth occasion that new head coach Roberto De Zerbi has signed a player from an English club.
Ismael Kone, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Mason Greenwood have already been acquired from Watford, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United respectively.
De Zerbi also wanted to sign Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal until it became apparent that a deal could not be agreed for the forward.
Marseille commenced the Ligue 1 campaign with a resounding 5-1 victory at Brest on Saturday, Greenwood scoring two of the goals.
Darren Plant
