JONATHAN REDHEAD Norwich City have today been linked with a shock summer move for former Ipswich Town defender Titus Bramble.

JONATHAN REDHEAD

Norwich City have today been linked with a shock summer move for former Ipswich Town defender Titus Bramble.

The Newcastle United centre back is out of contract at the end of the season and rumours suggest that Carrow Road could be the next destination for the 26-year-old if the Magpies do not offer him a new deal.

Bramble has been told he is “fighting for his life” to stay in the north east by United boss Glenn Roeder after a series of high-profile lapses during his Newcastle career, including the recent Uefa Cup defeat in Holland to AZ Alkmaar.

And Canaries and Coca-Cola Championship rivals Birmingham City could be ready to pounce for Bramble, who would be available for nothing - if his contract runs out.

Ipswich-born Bramble made his debut for his hometown club as a 17-year-old in 1998 after joining as a trainee. He made 62 appearances for Town, including two seasons in the Premiership, before switching to the Magpies in a £5m move in 2002.

Since then the England Under-21 international has been in and out of the starting line-up at St James's Park, although he has played more than 150 times for the club.

Bramble has been involved in a series of off-the-field incidents, including last August when he crashed his high-powered, £40,000 BMW M3, into a garden wall on the A140 in Newton Flotman, causing extensive damage, before leaving the scene in a taxi to go clubbing in Norwich.

Now, he faces a huge battle to remain with the Geordies according to his manager.

“Titus is a very frustrating player, because when he is good he is very good,” Roeder said. “But, one of the responsibilities you must fulfil as a defender is consistency in every minute of every game because it only takes a second to score a goal.

“There is a lot to like about Titus, but again, he does have those lapses in concentration. I'm sure he goes out trying to make sure that doesn't happen. If Titus wants to stay, he is fighting for his life.”

Meanwhile, one of non-league's hottest strikers was due to start a trial with Norwich today.

Jon Main is the top scorer in the Ryman League Premier Division with 37 goals to his name this season for mid-table Kent side, Tonbridge Angels.

Scouts have been regularly sighted at Tonbridge's Longmead ground this season with Premiership Reading rumoured to be one club interested in signing the 25-year-old front man, who has bagged five hat-tricks this term.

Main said: “I've got four or five days there and will just have to see how it goes,” he said. “I can't wait.”