Norwich City's hopes of prising 19-year-old Cameron Jerome out of Cardiff City's hands enjoyed a significant boost today after Sheffield United dropped out of the race and put their faith in Ade Akinbiyi.

Norwich City's hopes of prising 19-year-old Cameron Jerome out of Cardiff City's hands enjoyed a significant boost today after Sheffield United dropped out of the race and put their faith in Ade Akinbiyi.

The one-time Canary youth product was due to arrive at Bramall Lane today to discuss his personal terms and a complete a medical after the Blades agreed a £1.75 million fee with Burnley for the much-travelled 31-year-old.

All of which effectively ends Cardiff's hopes of being able to stage an end-of-transfer-window auction for Jerome between the Canaries and the Blades.

With Akinbiyi on board, United boss Neil Warnock is likely to look to strengthen his side elsewhere - all of which could yet leave Norwich as the only show in town as far as Jerome is concerned.

To add to the potential delay, Jerome and Bluebirds boss Dave Jones are currently enjoying a mid-season break in Portugal, while Cardiff owner Sam Hammam is understood to be on business in Lebanon.

With Carrow Road sources suggesting that it was all quiet overnight - albeit “with work onbgoing” - another potential strike target emerged in the shape of MK Dons hitman Izale McLeod, now reported to be the subject of Norwich's attentions.

Despite a miserable season in which the Milton Keynes side have found themselves propping up the foot of the League One table, the £1 million rated McLeod has still smashed home 12 goals and, in fairness, looked a big handful when City travelled to Buckinghamshire for their Carling Cup clash earlier this season.

McLeod has previously been linked to a big money switch to City's play-off rivals Wolves and this latest 'leak' may yet be an agent's way of dragging Glenn Hoddle back to the table if he thinks the Canaries are about to steal his thunder.

That said as a big, mobile unit and at 21 years of age, McLeod would fit the bill in terms of being young and hungry - plus, like Ashton before him and, indeed, potentially Greg Halford after him, the MK Dons' star would have excellent re-sale potential should he prove to be a smash hit in Norfolk.

As for potential out-goings, the Carrow Road club remain braced for further interest on the Robert Green front with both Charlton and Portsmouth linked to his signature over the past couple of days.

With Dean Kiely on the same transfer merry-go-round, Kiely to Fratton Park and Green to The Valley in a bid to book his place in Germany next summer is one scenario, though Norwich remain adamant that they are going to let their England hopeful walk away on the cheap just to help him fulfil his long-time World Cup dreams - particularly with regular No2 Darren Ward currently sidelined with a back injury.