Fernandes remains keen on Norwich City

Tony Fernandes admits he is still open to the idea of personally investing in Norwich City, as well as a commercial tie-up with Lotus. The Malaysian businessman is team principal at the Hingham-based Formula One outfit but has also been linked with dipping into football.

Tony Fernandes admits he is still open to the idea of personally investing in Norwich City, as well as a commercial tie-up with Lotus.

The Malaysian businessman is team principal at the Hingham-based Formula One outfit but has also been linked with dipping into football. He missed out on his first choice, Premier League West Ham, to former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan last month - since which Fernandes said he had been approached by seven other clubs to bring his estimated personal wealth of $230m. And while Fernandes believes Norwich City and Lotus singing from the same commercial hymn sheet is a good idea, he remains open to more individual involvement - should those at Carrow Road decide it is what they want.

“I'm never closed to investing but it's early days in that aspect,” said Fernandes. “I've never been to Carrow Road and I don't know any of the management.

“They may all hate me and not want me involved, so I don't know. But never say never.”

Accountancy firm Deloitte are currently planning with the Canaries board how to undertake the search for new investment, with the actual process set to begin over the coming weeks.

Fernandes added: “Definitely we'll have a link up and I'd love to get the car out to Carrow Road. It'd be great to get the fans behind us.”