DAVID CUFFLEY The Canaries were today believed to be close to clinching a double signing on the last day of the January transfer window. Manager Peter Grant admitted last night that midfielder Mark Fotheringham had arrived in Norwich for talks - and he will be hoping to tie up the loose ends of a deal with the 23-year-old Scot before the window closes at midnight.

DAVID CUFFLEY

The Canaries were today believed to be close to clinching a double signing on the last day of the January transfer window.

Manager Peter Grant admitted last night that midfielder Mark Fotheringham had arrived in Norwich for talks - and he will be hoping to tie up the loose ends of a deal with the 23-year-old Scot before the window closes at midnight.

But St Mirren midfielder Simon Lappin, 24, is also reported to have travelled to Norfolk with a view to a permanent move, with club chairman Stewart Gilmour admitting he could not stand in the player's way if he wished to join City.

Dundee-born Fotheringham is a free agent and has been training with Rangers since he quit Swiss club Aarau, but it is understood the Glasgow giants are unable to offer him first-team football, paving the way for a move to Carrow Road.

“It's moved forward because he's come down to speak to us," said Grant of Fotheringham after last night's 1-0 Championship home defeat by Wolves.

“That's the most important thing, prising him away from the Rangers situation,” said Grant. “So the first step is I've actually met the boy.”

The former Celtic midfielder is said to have been offered a two-year deal by City and is keen to sign despite the interest of Aberdeen and Hibernian. The player's agent, Charlie Duddy, said Norwich had jumped to the head of the queue.

Fotheringham spent a week at Rangers after quitting Swiss outfit Aarau in a bid to rekindle his international ambitions. The ex-Celt sought advice from Rangers coaching team Ally McCoist and Ian Durrant ahead of his potential Carrow Road switch.

“Once I spoke to Ian and Ally my mind was made up,” he said. “They spoke really highly of Peter and what he's trying to do down at Norwich. Breaking into the international set-up is a big thing for me - especially with the Euro 2008 qualifiers about to resume.

“I believe I'm good enough to make the step. It's a very exciting time for Scotland and, with all the changes taking place, hopefully I can play my part in helping take the country to the next level.”

City's list of January new recruits so far comprises winger Luke Chadwick, striker Chris Brown and on-loan goalkeeper David Marshall.

Grant denied reports yesterday that he had made a move for Carlisle striker Karl Hawley.