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Norwich City transfer rumours: City join Celtic, Leeds United and West Ham in race for Gillingham defender
City are reportedly in the race to sign Gillingham defender Jack Tucker. Picture: Ross Halls/Archant - Credit: Archant
Norwich City are monitoring young Gillingham centre-back Jack Tucker, according to a national newspaper report.
The coronavirus pandemic may have seen football suspended until April 30 at the earliest, but that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from churning out transfer stories.
Tucker is a highly-sought after player following impressive performances for the League One side this season.
The 20-year-old centre-back, who can also operate as a full-back, has featured 28 times for the Gills in League One, which has proved to be a break-out year for the defender.
City’s pedigree in developing young talent is well-documented, with their first-team currently containing four academy graduates on a consistent basis, with a fifth in Adam Idah also on the cusp of the squad.
Gills boss Steve Evans believes the defender will be sold 'for millions'. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.com - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
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The Daily Mail’s report suggests that Tucker is also wanted by Leeds United, Celtic, West Ham and Southampton.
His manager, Steve Evans, claimed earlier on this season that Tucker would leave the club ‘for millions’.
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“We found Jack Tucker who we were told was being released from the football club and we gave him a new chance – and he’ll go for millions,” Evans told Kent Online.
Gillingham are said to be one of a number of clubs in talks with the PFA over a possible wage deferral as they seek to safeguard their financial future in the wake of domestic football’s suspension.
EFL clubs would be open to the transfer window opening early, in order to recoup some money for their assets, according to the report.
Given the lower reaches of the professional game looks set to be hit by the suspension, that is one suggestion being proposed, although Premier League clubs are also coping with the financial fall-out of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tucker’s contract isn’t due to expire until 2022, but he falls into the bracket of being a sellable asset given the Gills could be required to potentially raise funds in order to maintain their finances.
That context suggests agents work could go into overdrive, with clubs wishing to exchange their top talent with a sizeable fee.
