Speculation is mounting that Robert Earnshaw could be back on Norwich City's hit list.The ex-Canaries hitman, who scored better than a goal every other game during his 18 months at Carrow Road, stayed at a local hotel regularly used by the club this week, prompting reports that the Welshman could be about to make a surprise return to Norfolk.

Speculation is mounting that Robert Earnshaw could be back on Norwich City's hit list.

The ex-Canaries hitman, who scored better than a goal every other game during his 18 months at Carrow Road, stayed at a local hotel regularly used by the club this week, prompting reports that the Welshman could be about to make a surprise return to Norfolk. Earnshaw last night declined to comment, although he confirmed that he had been staying on the outskirts of the city this week.

City manager Glenn Roeder is in desperate need of a striker, having seen Dion Dublin retire and Ched Evans return to Manchester City - with the prospects bleak for a quick return to the fold.

And although Earnshaw has struggled since his £3.5m transfer to Derby a year ago, his Championship pedigree is not in dispute.

In 41 league starts for City, Earnshaw scored a staggering 27 goals - a tally which prompted the Rams to break their own transfer record when they triggered an escape clause in the player's contract.

Roeder is a confirmed admirer of the 27-year-old striker, having tried to bring him in on loan midway through last season. The move was blocked because Derby felt it “was not in their best interests”.

Earnshaw has been told by manager Paul Jewell that he can leave Pride Park, for around £2.5m - and that is where City will find a stumbling block in their path.

Long-standing interest from his former club, Cardiff City, appears to have waned, while Derby accepted offers from Sheffield United and promoted Nottingham Forest, who are expecting a decision from the player by the end of this week.