Norwich City today confirmed their three-year shirt sponsorship with Proton and Lotus Cars will finish at the end of the current season. However, Proton and Lotus Cars will continue their successful partnership with the Canaries as they are in discussion about new sponsorships with the club.

Norwich City were today continuing the hunt for a new shirt sponsor after confirming their deal with Proton and Lotus Cars is to end.

As reported on www.en24.co.uk yesterday, the three-year sponsorship stint will end when the current season draws to a close.

Carrow Road club officials today said they were at an advanced stage of negotiations with at least two other companies interested in having their names on the Canaries' new shirts when the 2006-07 season kicks off in August.

Speculation has been mounting that budget airline Flybe could be in the running, but club officials would not reveal who they were talking to.

Brian Collier, managing director of Proton Cars (UK) Ltd, said: “We have enjoyed a tremendously exciting three years with the club and would like to extend our warmest thanks to the directors, management, staff, players and supporters of Norwich City Football Club for their fantastic support.

“From a pure business perspective, the sponsorship has been an unequivocal success, increasing our product and brand awareness not just in Norfolk but around the UK.”

Norwich City's director of sales and marketing Andrew Cullen said: “The three-year partnership between Norwich City and Proton and Lotus Cars has been a major success for all concerned.

“Meanwhile the club is at an advanced stage negotiations for a new shirt sponsorship deal.

“Our position as the best supported club in the Championship coupled with the extraordinary high rate of early season ticket renewals for 2006-07 has increased interest amongst a number of major brands and businesses wishing to develop a high profile partnership with Norwich City Football Club.”

t Don't miss www.en24.co.uk and www.pinkun.com for more news from Carrow Road.