RICK WAGHORN The Canaries were today braced for another week of transfer uncertainty after Portsmouth co-owner Milan Mandaric again confirmed that they were in the market for a new goalkeeper.

RICK WAGHORN

The Canaries were today braced for another week of transfer uncertainty after Portsmouth co-owner Milan Mandaric again confirmed that they were in the market for a new goalkeeper.

Despite Robert Green's assertion that throwing his shirt into the crowd at the end of Saturday's 3-2 home defeat by Watford was an act purely of frustration as opposed to one of farewell, there remains the distinct feeling that the City 'keeper's desperate quest to ensure he is on the plane to the World Cup in Germany this summer could yet fuel firm interest from Portsmouth, or even Charlton.

Hard on the heels of Saturday's 5-0 thrashing by fellow strugglers Birmingham City, Mandaric revealed that they were keen to ease the load on young 'keeper Jamie Ashdown.

Charlton's out-of-favour keeper Dean Kiely has been identified as one target, but Mandaric insisted he was not the only iron in the fire.

“I think over the next couple of days we'll look to bring Dean Kiely or someone else in in that position,” said Mandaric. “We need a keeper to challenge Jamie Ashdown. I like Jamie, but he's got a lot on his shoulders right now.”

Asked whether it would have to be Kiely or nobody at all, Mandaric added: “We've got two or three alternatives.”

With Kiely out of favour at The Valley, having played just four games for the Addicks all season, Charlton boss Alan Curbishley is reported to be looking for a £750,000 fee for the one-time Republic of Ireland international.

While experience might be on his side, age is not. Kiely turns 36 this year and may yet be viewed as short-term fix.

Green, of course, has age on his side and has already had his agent declaring that they would be interested in a move to Fratton Park - particularly in World Cup year.

But if Kiely does join Pompey, Curbishley could also be looking for another 'keeper - and Charlton were once again linked with Green in today's national newspapers, with striker Kevin Lisbie, on loan at Carrow Road earlier this season, mentioned as a possible makeweight in any deal.